Gaea's

I was recently reminded of the value of friends.  I thought I would start this post off with a catchy definition of what a friend is but there are hundreds on Google which actually reinforces what I wanted to say so I elected to use a simple definition from the Oxford Dictionary: “a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations”.

If I could edit the definition above I would add after the word relations “….. with whom one forms a relationship of trust, advice and support.”

Anyway, what reminded me of the value was a simple visit to a make up counter yesterday. I wanted a new foundation. I said so during a conversation with a friend and soon found myself accompanied by that same friend to “make sure I bought the right product”. This is the same friend that accompanied me last week when I wanted to buy a new hat for the coming winter months in the hope that it would not blow off in the face of British weather.  The best was that we both saw a scarf that we both liked and bought. The scarf was edged in animal print which we both agreed was the most animal print that was allowed. We don’t have the same dress sense but shared the same simple pleasure in both liking the same thing. We also shared the unconscious comfort of making a choice sanctioned by a friend we trust (but that’s a post for another day).

I bought a foundation from Clinique yesterday (never bought from them before) and I went home last week with 2 hats in styles that I would not normally buy. The value here is in trying something  and seeing how your friend thinks you could look.

I love the foundation – it is the best I have ever bought and the hats look great. Buying these things have contributed to my life in a way that is much deeper than just having bought stuff because I have  friend that is interested in me and who has taken the time to go somewhere with me to get something in which I look good or looks good on me. The value of that good feeling is immeasurable. And what makes it even better is that she is a new friend.

Take time to listen to your friends’ advice. They see you in situations and ways that you just don’t see yourself. I hope that you, like me, have a few friends that improve you.

Related posts:

1. Little Books…. by Mike Harding