Hi readers, it’s Emily and William here following on from last week’s thoughts on friendships.
For me, Emily, I had a few friends growing up. I suppose they have been similar to me, we were friends because we like the same things or they have a disability too. I think having things in common can help develop friendships.
Like William, I had few friends before Friendship Club but now I have loads! Sometimes I now have to say no to seeing them if I need time to look after myself too, though I never want to say no!
What I value most about my friendships is that we have fun, we check in on each other, and that we care about and understand each other.
My friends make me feel happy, loved, valued and well, just like a normal human being! Not someone just sitting in the corner. Again, like William, in the past I’ve wanted to make friends but didn’t know what to do or how to make them. I worried I might be a burden or a trouble to them. Now though I have so many friends like me and life is much better. If people understood us more, maybe they would enjoy being friends with us, and realise that we have a lot to give too.
I’ve even made a new friend via the People First Dorset zoom calls during lockdown. I don’t really know how it happened but it was easy. We first met on a quiz night and she seemed really nice. We then connected on Facebook and realised we have lots of similar interests, like we both have dogs. I’m enjoying our online friendship and it will be great to meet in due course.
We are both so grateful for our wonderful friends, these lovely people in our lives.
The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by The Friendship Club – a project for adults with learning disabilities, run by People First Dorset.