My Friends

I’ve made all my friends by being helpful.

I see someone struggling and ask if they’re alright. Anything I can do, I ask. No problem, I say. Take my number, just in case. And they call the next week. I don’t mind at all, I say. If you need something, I’m here. That’s what friends are for.

All my friendships are built on this foundation - rooted in kindness, as my momma taught me. My life is rich with friendships. My phone rings off the hook.

I am grateful to have so many friends. I care about them all so deeply. Let me help you, I say when I see them struggling. Let me carry your burdens for a bit. I am useful, I am helpful, I am worthwhile to keep around.

I am grateful to have so many friends. My friends bring meaning to my life. I don't know who I would be without them! I try to be there for them. I answer the phone at midnight and soothe them. I walk to their house, I hold them, I stroke their hair. No, I’m not tired, I tell them. I’m here for you. I am helpful, I am useful, I am quiet, I am always here for you. I have no hair that needs stroking or a heart that needs mending. My life is good - I have so many friends! Don’t worry about me, really. I have a wonderful life. I have so many friends and a beautiful park right by my house.

In fact, I’m going to the park today - unless you need me, of course! You do? I’ll be right there. Don’t be silly, I’m your friend, I’m always here for you. I love planning parties, it's so much fun! I hope y'all have an amazing time, really. I'll see you when I swing by to drop the cupcakes off! See how helpful I am? How useful?

Yes, I've been doing good! I've been chatting with him about things because he says he really needs someone right now. He's a sweet guy, he wants to feel better so he can be more present for his wife and kids - isn't that just so thoughtful of him? He's so appreciative, too. I'm doing well, don't worry about me. I'm making time in my life for the important things - like you! Speaking of you, you were saying that you've been feeling a bit blue lately? Oh, I see. Well, I'm glad you're comfortable talking to me. I'm a good listener, you know. I'm worth keeping around. Please keep me around.

Yes, I have time, no, it’s no problem. I’m doing well, thank you for asking! I’m good, truly, please don’t worry about me. You have so much going on in your life, please don’t add me to your burdens. I’m useful, I promise, I’m not any work to keep around. I love my friends. I am helpful, I am useful, I am worth keeping around. Sure, yes, of course I can come! No, I'm not busy. I'm helpful, I'm useful. I'm here for you. All I am is here for you.

I am helpful, I am useful, I am here for you. I’m helpful, I really am. I’m worth keeping. Please keep me. Please want me around. I promise I’m good for something. I’m a good listener and I always answer the phone. Please want me. Please like me. Please keep me around. I’m helpful, I promise. Please keep me. Please love me. I'm worth loving, I am, I promise I am.

Hello - yes, of course I can. Oh, it’s no trouble at all, I don’t mind helping out. You know, I’ve made all my friends by being helpful.