Let me begin by saying my elation was warranted. A ‘friend,’ who had repeatedly told me how ‘tired’ I looked got her comeuppance. And – I witnessed it. Prior this same ‘friend’ had told me gleefully how she was so and so’s ‘only’ friend. THAT did not sit right with me. In fact, it disturbed me. How could she have the audacity, the presumption, that SHE was someone’s only fiend? That she alone held that privilege?
Things Come To A Head
After several visits with said ‘friend.’ I began to notice a pattern. Every nighttime event attended, was with family members, not, I repeat not, with friends or even co-workers. Nor with her significant other. Hmm. She would constantly check her phone for “friends” posts from social media, hoping for any replies to her own. Always wanting to show me some Tik Tok viral post. My stance is if I’m here physically, who cares about posts, videos, etc., I’m in the ‘now.’ Once, she put her “friends” to the test by asking for any job leads. She said, “You watch I’ll get all kinds of responses.” What usury. This left me with a bad taste.
The SURPRISE Party
I received a text from her family. They were planning a last-minute surprise party for her milestone birthday. Since it was extremely last minute, I debated going since I had prior plans. Now, I thought this over. Being a surprise, she would not think to gussy up. I had just had my hair done, plus bought new clothes. Hmm. Thinking better of it, I confirmed with the stipulation, that I would be a late arrival. And I was, arriving at the small party center one and a half hours after the starting time. At first, I wasn’t sure if I had the correct location, as there were not many cars in the parking lot. Telling my significant other to stay in the car, while I scouted the venue windows. Yes, I was able to concur that at least two of her family members were still there, with maybe a dozen older people still in the vast, darkened empty room. This must be the place.
Grand Entrance
We entered singing! Yes, why not? You could have heard a pin drop. Then her family members laughed with us. The thunder was ours. The only male ‘friend’ attending, made a point to inquire about us. Much to her chagrin. How did I know? I caught her glance and a few other female family members looking my direction. Triumph. After thirty minutes passed, said friend made her way over to us. Dressed down, with little make-up, looking haggard and letting her hair go gray! After filling her in on our concert exploits – I couldn’t resist, I know it burns her – she let me know her disappointment in the turnout. Some ten or so ‘friends’ invited were no-shows. It bothered her.
Confusing Social Media “Friends” With Acquaintances
I’ve discerned that the real culprit was her mistaking true in-person friends with the thumb’s up emoji blurbs of acquaintances on FB and the like. Many have fallen for this, but a Gen X should know better. After leaving an hour later – I was relishing, yes elated and gloating. I remained so until the next morning. After reflecting on the party, I just felt sorry for her. I pitied her. Ultimately, deciding as her only REAL friend – I should make more time for her.
Rich and Strange! 