Bay Shore NY
11-19-2024 9:26am

Friendships Change Like the Seasons

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - FRIENDSHIPS CHANGE LIKE THE SEASONS

It can be hard to imagine a friendship you've had for years changing, but it does happen, and sometimes, the friendship ends. It isn't always clear why this happens, but just as the seasons change, so do we, and so do our friendships.  

I'm a very loyal friend. I have several friendships that have lasted from childhood. Friendships are one of the four pillars of happiness: Family, Friends, Work, Faith. When a friendship changes or even ends, it can be a very emotional time. It takes soul searching and forgiveness to work through this transition and let it go peacefully. Feelings are going to be hurt, but letting go is an essential part of healing.

Friendship has been a part of human culture since the earliest civilizations with evidence of close, dedicated friendships found in hunter-gatherer societies and ancient cultures, where concepts like "blood brotherhoods" were common, signifying strong bonds beyond family ties; however, the modern understanding of friendship as a distinct social construct, particularly between men and women, has evolved significantly throughout history, becoming more widely accepted and recognized in the 20th century.

Key points about the history of friendship:

  • Early human societies: Strong friendships were crucial for survival in hunter-gatherer communities, often involving rituals to solidify bonds like blood-sharing.
  • Ancient Greece: Philosophers like Aristotle discussed different types of friendship, including those based on pleasure, utility, and goodness.
  • Medieval and Early Modern periods: Social norms often limited the types of friendships people could have, particularly between genders.
  • 20th Century: With changing social attitudes, friendships between men and women became more widely accepted and recognized as a significant part of people's lives.

Between the years 1300 and 1600, men and women discussed what friendship was, and they experienced a more intimate and human form of friendship. People started feeling a much bigger need for consolation and support, especially in times of war and political upheaval. 

The past eight years of political upheaval have been particularly hard on friendships.

The Age of Enlightenment brought new changes in concepts of friendship. Many historians believe that religious wars contributed to developing new governing structures. Royal palaces became centers of political and cultural life. With the sudden blossoming of trade and the expansion of empires, a financial boom occurred, which led to the further development of industry.

The literacy rate rose, and more and more people became educated. All of this left a mark on what friendship was considered to be at the time.

Friendships change over time for many reasons, including:

  • People change: As people grow and take on different roles in life, their needs and sense of self change.
  • Life circumstances: Life circumstances like health conditions, caregiving responsibilities, and geographical distance can impact friendships.
  • Evolving interests: People's interests change over time, which can affect their friendships.
  • Priorities and responsibilities: As people's priorities and responsibilities shift, so do their friendships.
  • Values: As people grow older, their values become clearer and may take precedence over similar interests.
  • Self-judgment: Self-judgment often decreases with age, making it easier to offer authenticity in friendships.

Some friendships can endure from childhood through adulthood, but most friendships develop and change over time. It's important to accept that people are on different paths and that it's healthy to let go of friendships that no longer serve you. This is a hard one for me.

As people pursue new hobbies, engage in different activities, or develop new passions, they may naturally gravitate towards individuals who share their newfound interests. This can lead to the formation of new friendships, while some older friendships may gradually fade.

I choose my friendships with great consideration. Once you're my friend, you'll most likely be my friend for life. Over time, nurturing friendships is important if it's going to last. Sometimes people feel so strongly about a particular issue that they choose to end a friendship. That is not my tendency. I'd rather work things out, but sometimes the choice is made for you. Choose wisely.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

 At 60 and Beyond, friendship becomes more important for over-all well-being and happiness.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - TULA KITCHEN

Sharing a meal together is a great way to spend time with friends. My pick this week is a restaurant in my hometown called Tula Kitchen. Situated in the heart of downtown Bay Shore, Tula’s offers an elegant dining experience. With a French-inspired intimate setting and a handcrafted old-world bar, Tula’s dining atmosphere is truly unique. Renowned for their inclusive culinary skills, Tula has become a preferred destination for locals and tourists for more than 18 years. Their philosophy towards food is straightforward – they are mindful of the ingredients they use focusing on organic and natural options to ensure a delightful dining experience for everyone regardless of any dietary limitations. Mangia! Mangeons! Let's eat!

For more information, visit www.tulakitchen.com.

SKYLARK'S INSPRIATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

No matter what a friendship is going through, guide it with peace and love. Amen.

SKYLARK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Nov 19 (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump went to Texas on Tuesday to attend a SpaceX rocket launch, in person, as a sign of his close ties with the company's billionaire founder and CEO Elon Musk. A source familiar with the trip confirmed Trump's plans after the Federal Aviation Administration on Monday issued temporary flight restrictions for "VIP Movement" over Brownsville, Texas, a practice that usually precedes a high-profile visit. Flight restrictions in place over Trump's oceanfront property in Palm Beach, Florida, were lifted temporarily during the same time frame. A close friendship has developed between Trump and Musk who founded SpaceX in 2002. Musk has emerged as a close adviser to Trump. Let's see where it goes. Blast off!

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What do you think of Donald Trump and Elon Musk's friendship?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble at the bottom of this newsletter next to the Heart. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - MAJOR TOM by DAVID BOWIE

<!-- EMBEDDED YOUTUBE URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYYRH4apXDo -->

LYRICS

Ground Control to Major Tom
Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on

Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown, engines on
Check ignition and may God’s love be with you

Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Liftoff

This is Ground Control to Major Tom
You’ve really made the grade
And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear
Now it’s time to leave the capsule if you dare

This is Major Tom to Ground Control
I’m stepping through the door
And I’m floating in a most peculiar way
And the stars look very different today

For here am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there’s nothing I can do

Though I’m past one hundred thousand miles
I’m feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell my wife I love her very much
She knows

Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit’s dead, there’s something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you….

Here am I floating round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there’s nothing I can do.

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK

My Brand - Skylark Live - 60 and Beyond with Skylark was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. One day, I'd like to conduct in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. Stay tuned.

My Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

My Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

WHERE TO SUPPORT AND FOLLOW ME

Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and to expand my brand. Just click the link below: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Follow me on Social Media - You can follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!


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