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He looks up at me as I write these words because I've stopped petting him. He is a friend like no other. These ten long years we've shared together have been so full of joy and sadness. I like him better than most people, but the truth is that he is not enough.
This desire to know and be known. It drives us. What we do and don't do. Our engagement in social media or lack thereof. Whether we go out into the big wide world and have relationships with others or hide behind our computer screens. It often feels safer there. It is not.
The internet can be cruel it is true but a life lived in solitary is much more cruel. Knowing people and being known by them is a risk. They will fail you. Oftentimes more than once. And you will do some failing yourself. But you, me, we all need each other.
When you have something to celebrate it's sweeter when shared with a friend. Something lonely is less lonely when you let someone come into the night with you. And tragedy? Suffering? Loss? Those things can make you throw in the towel completely if you have no one to walk beside you.
Sure, a guarded heart is safe. But a safe heart isn't fully alive. You and I, we need in-real-life friends.
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