Has N E 1 ever had to replenish, make new friends, or cut loose a lousy friend?

I find that it's more difficult to do as you get older. I used to have a lot of friends. Wait, let me change that. What I ended up saddling myself with were 'so-called, fair weather "friends". Whenever they needed something, be it great or small or just to talk or be a 'sounding board' by just listening to them, I did it to the best of my ability. That's what a friend does. But when I was in need, rarely anyone came to my aid. Of the 50+ friends I had prided myself of having, I can count on one hand those that have come through for me if they could.

True I should be grateful for that and I am. It just that these people in particular are 300 miles away or greater, one is in the UK. I can't travel due to health reasons. It can be quite lonesome. My so-called friends, including some family members, showed their true colors after my husband died. At a time when I need help the most, no one could be found. After having gone through that treatment from these people one too many times, I cut bait and dropped them ALL like the dead weight that they were.

I decided I'm no longer going to let people mistake my kindness and compassion for weakness to be exploited.

Having cyber friends is great. But having a true friend come over when invited [Not drop ins. This ain't a television sitcom] for a cup of tea and cookies or just watch a movie or play a simple game of Monopoly, is irreplaceable and special. The kind that can give you a physical hug and accepts you for all you are and is there for you and understanding. Nothing can touch that.

It just seems that people choose friends according to how they 'date' but to the extreme. I.E. they're scouting only for an Adonis or a supermodel especially when they're not exactly matinee idols themselves. That's fantasy, not reality.

Anyway, I was just wondering.

Ciao 4 now, cyber buddies,
'J'