Reflection on Friendship

“So Lisa, what have you been up to for the last thirty years?!”  These were the opening words at a reunion recently with my friend Lisa from University days.  It was a joy to reconnect again and, of course, now I can’t imagine how we ever lost touch - for sure I won’t let it happen again.

"A faithful friend loves 'till the end."

Friendship has always been important to me but to be fair was, for quite a long time, something I struggled with.  I don’t know if it was being an army child with all the moving involved or simply that I wasn’t very good at friendship but there are only a few (albeit deeply precious) friends in my life from my school days.  University - well that was a different matter; I made many friends and a significant proportion of my friends today come from that time in my life.  Of course, young adulthood is an exciting time - you have everything ahead - and friends to share the journey with are precious.  I count myself exceptionally lucky to have shared my passage through this world with some fabulous friends who have held me when I needed it and celebrated the good times with me. Some of these have become so important and I am so close to them, they are like family; I have my own term - ‘framily’.

Long-standing friends are wonderful - you don’t need to explain why you’re struggling about something, or ask for their support; they just know. Similarly, when something goes right, you don’t need to explain the need for a celebration; they have travelled the road with you and are all too aware of the blood, sweat and tears that have gone before. I was lucky enough to go to university with a dear friend from home and remember the relief of catching up during Freshers’ Week and not having to answer the “what A Levels did you do”, “what course are you doing” and “where do you come from” questions - she knew all that and we could talk properly.  Some of these long-standing friends have gone on to hold special places in the lives of my children too, as non-religious ‘Godparents’ and their positions sealed at a naming ceremony. I know my boys are supremely lucky to have this additional adult input.

The Joy of Friendship

Having said all that, there is something exciting and precious about making new friends later in life.  My change of career has precipitated some fabulous new friendships which enrich my life immeasurably.  Veronika Robinson is responsible for training me and literally countless other celebrants and I give daily thanks for the exceptional grounding she gave me with which to embark on my role as an Independent Celebrant.  I also feel blessed to count her as a dear friend - one who has touched and altered my very soul.  A local celebrant friend is also invaluable, understanding as she does the demands, worries and joys of this new working life of mine.  I value the friendships made through the Leicestershire Celebrants’ Forum - a group of like-minded celebrants who believe cooperation is better than competition.

In addition, my work-life balance these days has allowed me to cultivate some glorious new friendships, with ex-colleagues, neighbours, fellow dog walkers and more.  Every single one brings light and joy to me and deserves my heart-felt thanks.

By Catrina Young, Leicestershire Heart-led celebrant, Marking Life’s Moments.

© Hardingstone Ceremonies, November 2025