I’ve tried to reach out a few times to you over the last three years and I think about you a lot, Noel. Dad died soon after your world imploded and my life was also a shit show but I am really sorry I couldn’t be a friend when you needed one xx Email me for a chat any time xx Lucy Lucy.Patterson82 @ gmail . Com
When the chips are down and the shit hits the fan, you can guarantee people will disappear and be nowhere to be seen, whether it’s just because they are shallow and self centred it’s hard to tell, personally I only have a handful of true friends, I do however, have a lot of acquaintances, it’s knowing the difference that counts, sadly some people that you classed as friends were not there for you during your time of need and it’s even more sad knowing that if it was reversed you would probably have been there for them, that’s the difference between someone with honour, dignity, empathy and loyalty. Your family stood by your side and they are what truly matters. As I regularly say, stay strong, stay focused on what matters, you have a much bigger support network than you can imagine, and I for one, wish you the best…..
Unfortunately we expect others to behave in the same way as us, which inevitably leads to disappointment. I choose to keep seeing the best in people until they show me otherwise. Don't let them change your good heart x
Love this, I resonate I have no friends no family except my teenage son.. it’s get lonely sometimes honestly good friends are worth more than gold because you can actually have a conversation with them and be there for each others no matter what, you can’t talk too gold.
Wow noel, what you said was empowering, your pain & anger are is still raw,the same happened to me,I was crying because you walk me through that pain.it happened 12 year's ago& you do get too know who your real friends. NOEL things do get better, time is a great healer.One love ❤️
Powerful piece Noel. I have been screwed over by alot of people - not to the extent you have I don't think, definitely not so publicly - but it made me realise that a friendship is only as long as my usefulness to that person. I have two friends: my husband and my dog. Everyone else comes and goes and I'm polite and I won't be unkind, but I'll be guarded. It's a shame to live my life this way, but it's about self preservation and not allowing myself to be naive enough to open up anymore. It's just not worth the hassle or the BS that comes with it.
sadly in the world of today, if you can find one good and loyal friend, you are the luckiest person in this world. My last real friends I had to sadly leave behind years ago, to follow married life with someone who was one of the worst friends. It took me to a place where no one actually knows what the term "friend" means, and I have been without my real friends for over 30 years now. In my 8th regeneration now (lol 70's) I am the lonliest I have ever been.
Hang in there Noel, you have something I don't have, and have not had since mum died in 2001, a family! Cherish every turn with them all, and always be the friend they come to first! Love you mister, you are an inspiration in more ways than one!
Great read. It’s a hard, humbling lesson when people we would stand in front of to protect, turn and run when we need the same back. My biggest mistake is that I expect people to behave in the same manner I would. We’re all built differently so are we wrong to be angry and hurt at others lack of gumption? I’m asking the question of myself all the time as I analyse and revisit past hurts and misdemeanours. Nothing but love and light for you Noel. Stay authentically yourself and I hope Rece can break bread with you and own his part. Regardless, don’t forget that says more about them than it does you.
This is a lesson learnt a lot through life but in the early years our youthful hearing aid is on mute, so the universe has to repeat it time after time until we learn to listen, watch and take in our surroundings, the same came be said for the physical, those aches and pains, stomach cramps from anxiety that we confuse with a kebab. We become self aware to far down the line, this type of story should be in every parents handbook, forget sex education - life lessons should be taught.
There are some friends who I don't 'think', I 'KNOW', but part of me doesn't want to believe it. They also show me who they are and I still forgive them. I guess I like having them around. Then there's the other side of this, having them around and being aware, and all the time they're thinking you believe in them, but all time my strength is knowing that I don't.
Absolutely powerfully put. I feel this pain. Brilliant from Noel.
Thank you Dan.
Love this post. Fear sadness fight and flight. All true . Wishing you amazing friendships in the future 🤞
I’ve tried to reach out a few times to you over the last three years and I think about you a lot, Noel. Dad died soon after your world imploded and my life was also a shit show but I am really sorry I couldn’t be a friend when you needed one xx Email me for a chat any time xx Lucy Lucy.Patterson82 @ gmail . Com
When the chips are down and the shit hits the fan, you can guarantee people will disappear and be nowhere to be seen, whether it’s just because they are shallow and self centred it’s hard to tell, personally I only have a handful of true friends, I do however, have a lot of acquaintances, it’s knowing the difference that counts, sadly some people that you classed as friends were not there for you during your time of need and it’s even more sad knowing that if it was reversed you would probably have been there for them, that’s the difference between someone with honour, dignity, empathy and loyalty. Your family stood by your side and they are what truly matters. As I regularly say, stay strong, stay focused on what matters, you have a much bigger support network than you can imagine, and I for one, wish you the best…..
Unfortunately we expect others to behave in the same way as us, which inevitably leads to disappointment. I choose to keep seeing the best in people until they show me otherwise. Don't let them change your good heart x
Love this, I resonate I have no friends no family except my teenage son.. it’s get lonely sometimes honestly good friends are worth more than gold because you can actually have a conversation with them and be there for each others no matter what, you can’t talk too gold.
Wow noel, what you said was empowering, your pain & anger are is still raw,the same happened to me,I was crying because you walk me through that pain.it happened 12 year's ago& you do get too know who your real friends. NOEL things do get better, time is a great healer.One love ❤️
You deserved so much better. I’m so sorry people who were supposed to hold you up, dropped you.
Powerful piece Noel. I have been screwed over by alot of people - not to the extent you have I don't think, definitely not so publicly - but it made me realise that a friendship is only as long as my usefulness to that person. I have two friends: my husband and my dog. Everyone else comes and goes and I'm polite and I won't be unkind, but I'll be guarded. It's a shame to live my life this way, but it's about self preservation and not allowing myself to be naive enough to open up anymore. It's just not worth the hassle or the BS that comes with it.
sadly in the world of today, if you can find one good and loyal friend, you are the luckiest person in this world. My last real friends I had to sadly leave behind years ago, to follow married life with someone who was one of the worst friends. It took me to a place where no one actually knows what the term "friend" means, and I have been without my real friends for over 30 years now. In my 8th regeneration now (lol 70's) I am the lonliest I have ever been.
Hang in there Noel, you have something I don't have, and have not had since mum died in 2001, a family! Cherish every turn with them all, and always be the friend they come to first! Love you mister, you are an inspiration in more ways than one!
Sadly too many people out there like Rece, I've learnt to weed out the blood suckers and life is a lot less dramatic. Xx
Great read. It’s a hard, humbling lesson when people we would stand in front of to protect, turn and run when we need the same back. My biggest mistake is that I expect people to behave in the same manner I would. We’re all built differently so are we wrong to be angry and hurt at others lack of gumption? I’m asking the question of myself all the time as I analyse and revisit past hurts and misdemeanours. Nothing but love and light for you Noel. Stay authentically yourself and I hope Rece can break bread with you and own his part. Regardless, don’t forget that says more about them than it does you.
This is a lesson learnt a lot through life but in the early years our youthful hearing aid is on mute, so the universe has to repeat it time after time until we learn to listen, watch and take in our surroundings, the same came be said for the physical, those aches and pains, stomach cramps from anxiety that we confuse with a kebab. We become self aware to far down the line, this type of story should be in every parents handbook, forget sex education - life lessons should be taught.
Stay strong & just do you 🙏
Excellent piece which again continues to resonate. Your advice and guidance has helped so many people no doubt… thank you
There are some friends who I don't 'think', I 'KNOW', but part of me doesn't want to believe it. They also show me who they are and I still forgive them. I guess I like having them around. Then there's the other side of this, having them around and being aware, and all the time they're thinking you believe in them, but all time my strength is knowing that I don't.
Friendships have different qualities- loyalty, fun etc. Loyal ones are necessarily the most fun, the most fun aren't necessarily the most loyal.