They Are...And Will Always Be My Friend.

It would look like I would run out of topics to talk about... but as long as my brain functions, I think I'll continue to throw out whatever is in there... Let's talk about my friend zone... Some people look upon that as a bad place to be.. because I've compartmentalized them.. defined them.. In all actuality, it's not a place where I let many people.. If I've put you in my friend zone.. that means that you have earned a special place in my life... but I don't want to complicate that with a relationship that would jeopardize our friendship.. plus it allows me to flirt and banter... even in a slightly suggestive manner.. without worrying about going too far.. because the idea of being overtly sexual.. isn't something I choose to think about..  I had a discussion with one of my friends a couple of years ago.. and even another several years back.. and in both cases these people wanted more than friendship.. limits were pushed.. even crossed.. and right afterwards, it was a realization that even though the experience was a pleasant one... it just wasn't the same dynamics.. and I could feel that push us apart.  Whether one wants to admit it or not... true friendships are easy to maintain.. because there are no expectations.. you can take up exactly where you left off.. even if you don't talk for weeks.. months.. or even in some cases.. years..  but you can't just be close friends with just anyone... it takes a little time to build that trust.. I put people in the friend zone in my mind when I find there is potential for a close friendship.. it's up to that individual to determine if they stay my friend... I've lost friends in my past also... it's really a devastating experience when you trust someone to be honest.. and they break that trust... just as in romantic relationships... The hard part about romantic relationships.. is that they take much more work... it might not should be that way.. but there has to be a level of constant communication to keep those afloat.. just like in marriages.. I feel like most marriages end.. because both people involved forget how to communicate what's going on inside their mind.. or maybe.. they just aren't able to for some reason or another...  We think we are going to find something better... somewhere else.. but it doesn't exactly work that way.  We have to learn our communication skills... and getting into a relationship with someone who can't communicate openly and effectively... well. that's a recipe for disaster...  I was on a few dating sites in the past couple of years.. even dating one person for almost a year.. and try as I might.... I could never get her to open up completely and talk to me... and I might be mistaken, but I have a tendency to communicate profusely....  I only remember of about 2 occasions in that year where I felt she really was able to throw a lot of what she was thinking out there.. and the 2nd time was at the point where she was breaking up with me...  During my marriage... my ex.. she rarely confided much in the way she was thinking to me.. Occasionally maybe... at the beginning... but then it was just about day-to-day things.. not about what was really on her mind... she held on to things for years and years... I know this because finally.. when we divorced.. she was able to let go of a lot... so many things she wouldn't.. or couldn't talk to me about.... and it was like a slap to the face... It's that way with most people I've ever met... I don't have to agree with people.. but when people open up.. and trust me with their thoughts.. that's where I give them that special place in my life... they earn my trust and my true friendship... there are about a half dozen people that I know so much of what goes on inside their head.. and they are ...and will always be my friend...