The Foo Fighters are past their prime. They have not put out a strong album in years. Hell no, I thought. One of my good friends was trying to convince me that Dave Grohl had lost his edge, not nearly as creative these days. My friend was dead wrong. I emphatically explained why. It was a cool summer night last year. I was at a local bar, smoking cigars, drinking a beer, spending time with a few of my good friends. We were debating music, as usual.
Good friends fight about stupid stuff
As both of you know I am a huge music fan. I saw Foo Fighters live last summer. It was a great concert. I was sharing this story with my friends when Geoff spoke up. He let me know that the Foo Fighters were boring. We debated this topic for an hour. He was wrong, but it really didn’t matter. Good friends can fight about stupid stuff. It is part of the fun.
Why I wrote this billboard
I spent a fair amount of time last summer hanging out with my friends. We congregate every few weeks. Usually, we consume a few drinks, smoke cigars, swap stories and talk about life. I wrote this billboard to remind myself that I should hang out with my friends more often. It is easy to come up with a lame excuse for staying home. I don’t want to be that guy.
Friends are like fine china
Finding friends has never been that difficult for me. Being a good friend is another matter. During some phases of my life, especially when I was married, I stunk at maintaining strong friendships. Turns out, this fact is true for many men. Women are much better. What I was learning is that friends are like fine china. Why be someone’s friend if you are not going to spend time with them. It is just like owning fine china that you never use.
Be deliberate about spending time with your friends
Everyone is busy these days. We all have schedule challenges. For example, it is hard to believe that this summer is almost over. Both of you will be starting college classes in a few short weeks. Getting together with your friends can become a rare occurrence if you are not deliberate. I know because I did not plan accordingly in the past, and rarely saw my friends. It is easy to become a lone wolf.
I’ll be there for you
I’ll be there for you (theme song from Friends) by the Rembrandts
(When the rain starts to pour)
I’ll be there for you
(Like I’ve been there before)
I’ll be there for you
(‘Cause you’re there for me too)
How I incorporated this billboard into my life
Last year I did a better job spending time with friends. I have already written about visiting friends while traveling. This billboard is about getting together on a regular basis with my local buddies. Generally, we will email or text each other to see when we can gather. Sometimes it is something exciting like going into the city, or out on a boat. Other times the plan is simple. Meet at a local bar – eat, drink and be merry. I find those times just as enjoyable as big events.
What about you?
Are you spending time with your friends? If so – good for you. If not – do something about it. Be deliberate. Take the lead on planning the next event. If you don’t – it may not happen, and that would be a shame.
Time with close friends is always well spent. Cherish it and make it happen. It is too easy to stay home.
Dad