“Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.” – George Washington For as long as I can remember I have collected quotes and since I was in high school, I have kept a book of the ones that were given to me by friends or ones that I shared with others and each has held significance. The one above holds great meaning for me and across the past few days, I have had several experiences, with friends from across different phases of my life, and these have reminded why these words hold such deep truth for me. On Thursday morning I went for a run with a few friends, one of whom, Lindsay White I have known since we attended boarding school together in the mid 1980’s (wow I am dating us here, Linds). On Friday I walked the beach in Sea Girt, NJ with Brighde Dougherty, who went to William Smith College. We both played lacrosse under the same coach Pat Genovese. And today I had a visit with my friend, Bob Stillman who I attend St. Columba’s Church with. Bob and his wife Margaret have become dear friends because we sit pretty near one another each Sunday at church. We are wired for connection: “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning in our lives,” says author and scientist, Brene Brown. I am blessed with amazing friendships across my life, and I am grateful that by trusting, loving and confiding in these ones that are so very dear, deep connections have been forged. #friendship #gift #truth #courteouswithallbutintimatewithfew #slowgrowth #georgewashington