I’m a good friend, but not a great friend.

Being a natural introvert plays a large part in my lack of friendship greatness. I’m a loner to the core. If needed, I can be extroverted for short bursts of time, but I usually come crashing down after that.

I’ve battled depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia much of my life. Some seasons are better than others, and I have been fortunate to overcome many issues related to anxiety. But, I fall short in building friendships.

I’m sure I’ve frustrated and confounded my friends over the years.

It’s not that I lack deep affection and concern for my friends, in fact I care tremendously about them. But I’ve always felt like I relate through a cloud, like a fog surrounds me and I can’t relax or be totally comfortable. It’s almost always my issues that keep me from being closer with friends.

Other people relate so effortlessly and I envy that skill.

Maybe I overthink simple things, maybe I’m too worried about being accepted, maybe there’s a secret to relating I’ve yet to discover.

I’ve sincerely questioned why I can’t quite make it work.

Again, I think I’m a good friend, just not a great friend.

Often, in the past, I’ve been left out of activities, not invited, not included. But honestly, I know much of that comes from earlier times I’ve not included myself, refused an invitation, or left a social situation early because of my discomfort.

I’m not looking for pity, I’m just being as honest as I know how to be.

I value the friends I have and I am thankful for them, I thank God that these friends care about me, even with my quirks.

There is a scripture that means more than the world to me because I’ve struggled in this area. The scripture says “There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” That scripture gives me peace, hope, and assurance.

A relationship with God is too often talked about like a commodity. Something to be bargained for, earned, or attained. But the good news is, this relationship is simple, pure, and everlasting.

Many times, religion clutters this relationship. Other times past experiences may hold us back. It’s possible that fear of rejection restricts our acceptance of this ultimate relationship.

Take it from me, an absolute amateur when it comes to relationships.

The friend that’s sticks closer than a brother offers the most welcoming, faithful, and tenaciously devoted relationship you can ever experience.

You can build your life on it.

No matter your hang ups, issues, failures, or quirks.

Trust the friend that sticks closer than a brother.

-Tom Wise