My parents only had four types of friends—relatives, co-workers, church members, and Hallmark—and there were strict boundaries separating these categories. Relatives were the only ones allowed in the house, usually only on holidays. The exceptions were an uncle who was divorced and his live-in girlfriend. Co-workers were restricted to work. Church members were restricted to church. And the vast majority were the invisible Hallmark kind who sent cheerful cards once a year indicating that they were still alive and their children were the most successful to have ever lived on the planet. “Merry Christmas to you and yours.”
Mary Wallace
13/12/2021 10:51:45 pm
Loved this Jim. I am about to rename some of my friends.🤣
Pamela Kennedy
13/12/2021 11:47:23 pm
Your story could apply to a few types I know...nicely told, Jim.
Sue Clayton
14/12/2021 02:07:24 am
No true friends then, but I do wonder why uncle and his girlfriend were granted special privilege.
Jim Woessner
15/12/2021 12:15:20 am
Good catch. I meant the opposite, that the disgraced uncle and his girlfriend were never allowed in the house, but I see how you interpreted it. One thing I've learned is that there is no such thing as a "final" draft. Thanks so much.
Gautam Sen
14/12/2021 12:24:08 pm
Interesting format. Like a diary entry.
Candace Arthuria Williams
14/12/2021 04:34:04 pm
Love the invisible Hallmark friends, Jim. I think I've met some of their kids. Funny.
Deborah Robinson
14/12/2021 08:53:29 pm
I am guessing that they didn’t realize just how these boundaries were drawn. Very interesting!
Fliss Zakaszewska
14/12/2021 10:52:07 pm
Yeah, ain't life just... similar to that, but at least with Hallmark you keep in tentative touch with those whom one day may reconnect with you. Nicely told and point well made.
Sandra James
15/12/2021 08:52:21 am
Love it, Jim! I think there's a little of that in most of our lives. Well done!
Sivan Pillai
17/12/2021 09:07:18 am
Lucky uncle and his girl friend. Well written, Jim. Comments are closed.
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