Those Who Think They Have a Lot of Friends Just Think They Have a Lot of Friends

Technology has made it possible for those living in isolated areas or afflicted with severe physical or mental restrictions to interact with and contribute to society on a regular basis. A prime example is Stephen Hawking. Applying technological advancements to improve quality of life is great. That said; I personally choose not to embrace some of the applications of this technology that have become quite popular throughout the world; particularly, social websites such as Facebook. Each of my four adult children has a Facebook page. There is nothing wrong with it; it just isn't for me.

I have no desire to like someone on the condition that they will like me in return or obsess over how many friends I have. Don't get me wrong, I am not an introvert. I love to socialize and communicate on a regular basis. I would just rather do my socializing at dinner parties, picnics, restaurants, cocktail lounges, dances, and family gatherings. I prefer to get to know the person with whom I am socializing and communicating, rather than exchange typed messages with a cyber representation of a personality that may or may not actually exist.

I will occasionally befriend someone, but I will never "friend" them. I may like someone, after I have known them and interacted with them for a time, but I will never swap "likes" or profess to like someone I don't know.

We make many acquaintances during our life, but very few of them ever exhibit the level of trustworthiness, faithfulness, and dependability required to merit the title of friend. Friends are always there for each other, regardless of the circumstances. Acquaintances are fickle.

The extremely high standard which I associate with friendship has resulted in my having had only a dozen friends during my 67 years of life. Many may consider that a paltry number. To them I say, those who think they have a lot of friends just think they have a lot of friends.