nobody asked…

When I was a kid growing up, then in college, and later in my adult life, I had many good friends. There have been a few that I would do almost anything for … almost. And at the time, they would have done the same for me. Many of you dear readers also have had such relationships. It must be a wonderful feeling when those close, joined-at-the-character kind of friendships last a lifetime. Unfortunately, the sea changes I have been through in my life have disrupted and effectively ended my closest relationships. We always promise to stay in touch, and may for a while, but lives grow in different directions, each with its own unique set of problems, issues, struggles, and distractions.

But there are a few lucky people out there who by benefit of birthright, resource heritage, or character flaws, remain close and supportive of each other as asshole buddies for life. Perhaps one of the most distinguishing characteristics of these symbiotic relationships is the willingness to make sacrifices, one for the other. That includes taking a fall to cover up errors and omissions by the other; power, ability, and willingness to bail the other out of trouble, whenever and wherever it may strike; and telling the world very loudly, even wearing a red sign around the neck proclaiming, F you, to all who venture too close. If I had the luxury and comfort of such friendship, and if I had the power, my buddy would likely become cocky and arrogant from my assurances that he would never be in any trouble that I could not pardon and extricate him from.

It’s probably too late for me to know such feelings on a forever basis, but hey, a boy can dream, can’t he?

[Head nod and a lift of the paper cup to Think Progress for the classic photo.]