I have a friend who I've been estranged from for over four years. Ours was a strong bond and she really set me on a path to success within a certain network. We "separated" for political reasons -- something she didn't understand and I couldn't communicate to her because of the emotional fog. I wanted to reach out to her but too much hurt had occurred and I felt it would be better if she did. In that four years, she'd endured many challenges -- all I witnessed from my safe perch. About two weeks ago, I got a call…looked on the caller ID -- it was HER! Carefully, I answered. She was direct: "It's time to talk!"
I knew it would be hard but I scheduled lunch. I got there early -- with flowers -- and arranged to pay the meal upfront so that awkwardness of reaching for the check would not occur.
She's been through a lot and I got some clarity on what led to her troubles. Some of it was self inflicted and some the result of a climate of hate, jealousy, and a scary resolve to GET HER BACK for a slight.
We talked frankly, honestly and brutally -- at times. It was cathartic and I held my position. I don't think she understood but, somewhere, I think there was a glimmer that she 'got' why I did what I did. Eventually, the power of the friendship we had took over. We found some common ground and agreed on what we could.
In the end, we hugged and the bond is being -- slowly -- repaired. In 2016, I hope to restore and build on that.
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