Discussion For The Day
Good on you, Dom! 
I know how you feel. I've never had the size of group you have, but I know what it feels like to be taken for granted as a friend. One person can't make all the effort.
Moving around has helped me pare down my own list. I know that those who make the effort at this distance are keepers. But its a really tough transition to go through. Who to keep, who to stop making the effort for... You can only do so much. But, I will say that when you whittle it down to your core friends, it's very rewarding. I've found as time goes on, I prefer small, intimate groups to really connect with. I know that the ones that stick around are in for the long haul.
Thanks Becks!
And thanks Rae. If I had a list of keepers, you'd be at the top!
Tirades help keep the mind uncluttered!
Yeah! And they feel darn good too!
Been there...DID that! I agree with Rae...smaller is better. I have cut out ALL users in my life and its refreshing! Friendship IS a two way street...and those who tell you differently or act not accordingly...are just fooling themselves. Dave and I love you to bits Dom...we hope to see you tons at our house this year...it maybe the last on the lake.
ps. I sent you that text invite way before I read this! Does that mean I am not a user friend!? hahahaha. ;~)
Thanks, Dom. That means a lot to me. 
Dom...I think this post shows a lot of wisdom. It's important to keep your close friends people that appreciate you in return. However...I also think it's a blessing to have a large volume of friends. You know you have a way of getting along with a great variety of people. It's rare...and many friends is your reward.
Thanks Niki. You could never be a user. I hope I can be as good a friend to you both as you are to me.
And Harm, you're right... I've always felt blessed by a large circle of friends. But I'm finding, personally, that a few super close friends is more rewarding than hundreds of surface friends. And so I'm going to narrow my focus and extend my effort on those that make me feel appreciated. That's all. Thanks for being one of them!
Damn! I haven't invited you to dinner in a while. OK, ever. But I would, were I in your vicinity. And go see Flight of the Conchords with you. For what that's worth.
XO
You're totally right on.
Hot topic Dom. Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. Freeloaders be gone! Like Niki said "Friendship is a two way street" Mel and I enjoy seeing you on that street every now and then.
Violet, that'd totally rock. I'll just imagine we did those things, buddy!
Thanks Gentry!
Adman, you and Mel are so giving. You are true friends!
I'm more of a quality time and acts of service kind of friend. I wouldn't mind a bit more physical touch, especially with the female friends but hey that's just me. One thing I can say is that I definitley need more friends like you. For some reason I'm the bridge between my married and single friends and it's mostly because I make it a point to maintain my friendships both. I'm not much of a planner though, it seems you have that gift in spades. I't not just that though, it's the fact that you bring people together. Not too many people in the world do that. Ray was one of the few people in my life that did and he's gone. =/ People who know you are crazy not to show you love. Maybe it's the devious side of me, but maybe you should tighten your circle of friends to the ones who are better and more natural at reciporcating the quality of friendship that you put out and the more casual aquaintences that don't show love can learn the not-so-easy way that they have been taking you for granted by you not gracing them socially.
Thanks Derrick. That's my plan exactly. Is that really devious? I hope it's not hurtful. But I gotta do what I gotta do.
It's not devious. It's not like you're lying to the people involved. You're simply letting them fade out.
Well... this is what I get for not reading anyone's blog in two weeks. I miss a very important entry.
Dommernickle, I'm glad to see that you respect yourself enough to spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself at the same time. I'm not even going to ask if I'm one of those people because it would sound like i'm fishing (because I totally am). I think the feeling of being 'overextended' as a friend is a universal concept. If a person doesn't 'get it' they're probably among those using.
I can't even count how many times I've felt as if my connection with another person was stronger than their connection with me. But I'm also honest enough with myself to realize I have some serious personal insecurity which may also make me feel that way.
Either way Dom even though it's become kitschy to 'know Dominic' you'll never be a fad to me. Remember I've seen your dark and bright sides - you can't scare me away.
Love ya Dommernickle.
wow, just got around to reading this today, once again GOOD FOR YOU. i have always insisted on only one handful of friends, perhaps a bit too extreme for you, but that is my philosophy. i sincerely hope this goes super well for you. you have already lived a lifetime in your 1/4 century of living. enjoy the close dear friends you have.
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