Ye Olde Judas Kiss

Geeze, I just had a friend do me wrong. It's always sad when that happens, but knowing human nature as I do, it never really surprises me when it occurs.

I'm the type of person who just naturally tries to cut people slack. Being human - well, obviously being any kind of animal - isn't the easiest thing in the world, with these annoying animal instincts to deal with and all.

Honestly, I have few really close friends. Scores of casual friends. But when it comes to those people I am really close to - soul-baring close to, I mean - I could count those folks on the fingers of one hand (and have fingers to spare).

And this is why: I don't like when so-called friends turn on me over petty issues, over mice testicles. You know what I mean?

This latest little incident made me think of something Voltaire said once:

I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: 'O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous.' And God granted it.

I don't really like to think about enemies. But let me just call them my non-friends, I do tend to think of them as ridiculous. In this world filled with mostly ifs, ands, and buts, it seems odd that anyone would turn down a chance to have a kind and supportive person like yours truly in their corner. Go figure.

Be petty if you like, but include me out (as Sam Goldwynn would have said).

I don't have time for "close friends" with whom I'm often having ups and downs. Too much of that and you are at best a casual friend. Keep it up and you are a non-friend.

And my advice to everyone is to be really careful with what you say. Think about it before popping off. Once words have been unleashed on someone, you can never unsay them.

Okay, I feel better. At least a little. I guess getting the old Judas kiss from time to time is just a part of life.

Maybe I should rephrase Voltaire's little prayer into: O Lord, help me not to be as ridiculous as others who cross my path on a regular basis.