Odd Couple Friendships: Defying Differences

Ganel-Lyn Condie and Tamu Smith say their differences strengthen their sisterhood.
They write about those differences in each issue of Wasatch Woman Magazine.

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“A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.”
– Arabian Proverb

This proverb reminds us of what we all long for and value in friendships. It is said that love is blind but friendship closes its eyes. True friends are those that can be gently honest. They pull us out of our comfort zones while providing the soft cozy boots needed to take scary steps. Some friends are placed in our lives for a season only. Then there are those friends that stay beside us as our life changes from high school through motherhood. We need both.

To develop a true friendship we may share things in common; but this is not a requirement. You may find that someone crosses your path with differences far out weighing your commonalities. Give it time. Don’t panic and think ‘oh we couldn’t have anything in common; we are so different from each other’. The learning that takes place will strengthen you. Maybe their experiences can help you through something new in your own life. Remember if you only want to be with people just like you than being alone is your best bet.

Friendships may seem mismatched because of race, religion, age, or economic levels. Use these relationships as a starting point for your own personal development. Maybe a friend is older and can share what she knows from motherhood while you are just taking your first pregnancy test. Look at this as a gift – a vantage point she will have to help as you walk through a new phase in life.

Just remember how it feels to find a new restaurant for the first time. You add spice by trying something new. Embrace those friendships that add to who you are not just those that mirror back exactly who you already are.

Ganel-Lyn Condie

Side by Side – Wasatch Woman Magazine