People today.

Well, there's your answer. Nobody bothered returning your call!

I don't really encounter rudeness as such, but certainly people are more self absorbed and isolated than they used to be, thanks to the Internet, Ipod, home theatres, etc. So simply spending time with other people or just ringing for a chat is no longer such an important part of the daily routine. I find that my closest friendships are the oldest ones and...

to quote Beatrice Arthur in the "Broadway: The Golden Age" ...

"...I've been trying to have lunch with Nanette Fabray for a YEAR!!"

You poor people. Disappointment is part of life. And generally you get back whatever you give.

This is why I spend time on bww. I've found other people who feel exactly as I do. Lea, Check, I know where you're coming from.

Forrest Gump moment: My mother always said (I kid you not) that when you're old and you look back on your life, if you can count 5 real friends, you are truly lucky. Yeah, some people will disappoint you. But some many other times, people will simply surprise you.

"but lately it just seems that many people in my life just fail to be thoughtful, considerate friends."
I think that if you ask every generation before you this question, they all will feel the same way. People change... The best YOU can do is BE thoughful, BE considerate of your friends.

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Most people will disappoint. I find this to be even more the case living in NYC. Sometimes, it's a matter of people being exhausted from life--I may be guilty of disappointing people for this very reason. Most of the time, I just go home after work. So, instead of doing things with people, I just try to get things done at home and spend time with my roomies, who happen to be two of my closest friends of many years.

But, what GETS me is when I do give way more than I get. When I make a point to see someone's show or make someone's party--but not only do they not come to my events, they don't even rsvp. "Oh I forgot!" or some such crap. SO after awhile, you just learn not to give to those people anymore. When you try to hold your friendship up to a certain level of respect and commitment--and they do not reciprocate, you know that person is not truly a friend. Oh, they may care about you and such and vice versa. But, I just don't give to them anymore. It has to be a give and take.

Unfortunately, most people are very selfish or self-centered. They do not comprehend basic manners or modes of communication. They only have an interest in you when it entertains or benefits them.

That isn't true friendship. And, you have to recognize that. The truth is that we can have many, many acquaintances, but we probably only have a few friends.

So, one of my many resolutions for 2005 was to simply "start from scratch". I know who my life long friends are. But other than that, I considered the slate wiped clean. Whoever makes the effort in 2005 will find my reciprocation. No one is getting my efforts for free anymore.

And the amazing thing is that sometimes the people you never realized are your true friends rise to the surface.

"Actions speak louder than words" is not an empty expression. And just like an actor digging through his/her character in a play, you find that the objectives are the things the characters does--not what the character says. "oh, I wanted to come to your party, but I fell asleep." If you wanted to come to the party--you would have made it.

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I was left off the guest list, too, etoile. Sigh.

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yeah life can be dissapointing but i have found that if you can count the amount of good friend you have on one hand you are very lucky. As for high school, it sucks but life doesn't end their and i have found that you have to make the best out of life.

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