Do you 'like' all your friends?

When I was nesly divorced I was in a couple of singles groups [I wasn't actually looking for a new relationship at the time, just a social life] and I got to know a woman who had been widowed but was looking for a new partner. According to her, men were just throwing themselves at her feet and it did seem to be the case [she's now on her third husband]. I can't begin to tell you how it undermined my confidence at the time even though [if I say it myself] I looked jolly good for my age and she looked rather old and fat [but in a confident sort of way].

vegasmags

I think she was one of Dad's friends until he realised what she was trying to do.

Frank

I sometimes wonder if boasting is a cover up for some kind of insecurity.
I used to have a friend like that and she was warm hearted and kind, but
oh such a dreadful boaster. It drove me mad at times!

I didn't realise your father's ex was one of your friends, Frank. I must have misunderstood the whole tenor of your complaints.

My father's ex always boasted about how much money her children were making etc.

Why did she want the house which my father and myself owned for her family?.

Frank

I have a very boastful friend. Her husband has died but in front of two other friends whose husbands deserted them many years ago, she often talks about her husband saying she had the best husband in the world, all the things he bought for her, how much he loved her etc. She dominates all our conversations, talks over other people, and always has anecdotes about her wonderful life which top everyone else's. What I like about her is that she is always up for doing things eg trips out, cinema, shopping etc. so have to put up with the boasting.

these sort of friends, who on hearing you have been on holiday to tenerife, immediately and lengthily brag about their more fabulous holiday in elevenerife!

My husband's cousin with whom we normally just exchange Christmas cards did telephone me when she first got a painting accepted for the Royal Academy, but I think she just realised I was the only one in the family who would be as thrilled as she was. Much more interesting than people who tell you about all their expensive holidays in places you would pay NOT to go to.

Yes, I do like all my friends - very much. They are my 'chosen' family and as such boasting would never come into our relationship simply because they are pretty clued up with our family's ups and downs anyway. Friends enjoy our successes and commiserate with our difficulties.

My husband is (in my view, but not his) ridiculously modest and both our sons are very like him.When I first got married I quickly realised that my husband's family NEVER 'boasted' about anything - even to mention something that might be construed as boasting was considered very bad form. In my family though it was the opposite; my mum boasts about everything possible to do with her children and grandchildren. She was (is) equally surprised and delighted that her eight children have all 'done well' for themselves and would like her friends and neighbours to know about it. Fortunately she is also a born storyteller and her friends (she's had the same two close friends since she was four years old) regard our family life as their very own soap opera.

I think it is because my friend who does this is getting older. Shee would not have been like that in the past!

suzz Answer...someone who cares how you feel. Perhaps I can be your "cyber" friend.

Way back in the early 70's I remember talking to a friend of whom I am still very fond, about the then worry about "green" potatoes being linked with spina bifida. "Oh, but things like that don't happen to people like us" she said blithely. I gently reminded her that we had lost our first baby aged 20 days not that long before due to congenital heart disease. She wasn't being smug or unkind, just thoughtless. So in defence of "perfect" fiends (oops) friends, they are probably just thoughtless and not necessarily smug, self-centred, or oblivious to the predicaments of others - well maybe not.

inthefields funny you should say that! In our particular group of friends I was always the 'doer' rather than the 'talker' but as I have got older I have begun to challenge some 'given' ideas and attitudes more. This has sometimes surprised people but friendships are strong and we still love one another!

Whats a friend? I don't seem to have any .

bullshit

What is BS?

Do you 'like' all your friends?
Fewer & fewer as I get older. Probably because my tolerance for BS is decreasing, whilst my inclination to say my piece is on the rise!

I really enjoy spending time with this particular friend except when the boasting starts but, taking Butty's point, she maybe is just a good acquaintance.

I didn't tell her, or anyone else apart from his siblings, when DS1 was in the paper and on the radio but no-one could have been more proud of his achievements!

Butty and that is how I feel...

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I keep thinking this thread is about Facebook.

In answer to the OP - Yes, absolutely. In differing ways for different reasons, from many walks of life. Each and every one triggers something in me that enriches my life.
If that doesn't happen, then it is merely acquaintance - sometimes a good acquaintance, but good friendship goes beyond that.

My much loved MiL was like that Susie. Whatever complaint anyone had she always knew someone who'd died from it!