Thanks for the memories

Are those tire tracks on my head? Are my knees bruised and my ribs broken? No? Because it certainly feels like I've been hit by a bus.

Correction: like I've been thrown under the bus.

I don't want to get into the details of a situation that has already been blown out of proportion. I try to lead a drama-free existence anyway - who needs the extra stress? If someone burns me, that's it. Your phone number? Deleted. Don't even think about email.

But once you're in my inner circle, the rules change a bit. My cardinal virtue is loyalty. Once you're in, you're in for life. I'll defend you and fight ruthlessly even when we both know you're wrong. I'll take the heat to save your ass. If you hurt me and apologize, I'll forgive you (though I may not forget). I'll allow you back in and if you hurt me again, well, that's my fault for being a softie. I firmly believe it's better to loved/liked/etc. than never to have felt anything at all. You just have to be worth the pain.

Because being numb, barring all emotion? Not really being at all.

There is one sin, though, that I find unforgivable. Betrayal. Yes it comes in many forms- lying, cheating- but the worst is when a friend turns their back on you. There is a difference between me taking the heat for someone and being thrown under the bus. I'll gladly take the blame if you give me a reason, if you're there with a "thank you" when all is said and done. But if you can't meet me halfway, we can't be friends. Don't leave me standing there alone, wondering why you didn't show.

I'm hurt, I'm disappointed. Life goes on.

Thanks for the memories.