424Full of Shit and Smelling Like Roses

posted by Jeffrey on August 6th, 2008

Do you have friends close enough to call “bullshit” on?

I’m glad that I do.

Last night I was hanging with some friends at the Hermitage Starbucks (as we do every Wednesday evening) when the incident happened.

I can’t remember how it started exactly, but it came up that a misunderstanding of Take Your Should and Shove It had occurred.

We pushed each other (not physically–conversationally, logically, and psychologically), clarified points, explained motivations, and basically resorted to playing the “bullshit” card.

You might be thinking, “geez, some friends you have Jeffrey.” To which I would reply, “yes, they’re great indeed.”

You see, I (and the others involved) only push the ones we care the most about in those ways. I am only quick to judge, challenge, and call “bullshit” on someone I care about deeply.

What resulted from the pushing, the challenging, and colorful language were deeper relationships than before.

Which brings me to the question:

Why do so many of us feel the pressure to agree on everything with our “friends”, as if we’re afraid we can’t be friends if we don’t?

Why do we not press and sharpen those we care most about?

I, for one, am glad that I have friends whom I can press and who I know will press back on me…even to the point of calling “bullshit” on me.

[image credit]