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Jim Barrow's avatar

You guys are so lucky. I do not know the meaning of friend, nor I do understand the concept. Being a truck driver, I am very transient and cover a lot of distance, so I'm always on the move with no time to slow down. While I know so many people all over planet earth, and so many people know me, none of these connections would I call "friendships". Just casual acquaintances who I either see a lot of, or very little if at all. I've only had a single short-lived relationship back in the late 80's prior to his passing of AIDS. I've been alone ever since. My only daily contact with people is through a windshield, a rearview mirror, or pushing my way through a crowd. I have learned through many trials, it is best to keep a low profile and keep my mouth shut as I am not very good at conversation and usually manage to fluff that up at every turn. This mostly stems from my childhood where if I uttered a word, my parents would beat me senseless until I was black 'n blue. The physical and emotional scars are deep and something I never outgrew. As an adult, I've learned to isolate myself from others, so I don't have to speak and embarrass myself, even here at the campground, I keep silent and to myself and only engage when prompted to. That is why I work on all their golf carts when I'm not on the road, because it keeps me functional for a purpose without imposing myself on others. When guys here at the campground try to get close to me, it's not because they want to be around me but rather because they want something ie; working on their golf carts, fixing something on their RV trailers, or help to do something else. So while I am not wanted, I am needed, because I help make the world go round.

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Dan Pal's avatar

I didn't know such a day exists! I have to say, I've had many really good friends, some have called ME their best friend even when I didn't feel it. I find the whole concept hard to commit to. I often feel disappointed by people (and I in turn probably disappoint them) so it's hard for me to truly say someone is my BEST friend. Of course I'd have to say that my husband of 36 years, Frank, would have to really be that person in my life.

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