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Share A Story NowMaking Friends, Losing Enemies
About five years ago I started at a new school, when my family moved to Iowa. I was just a little excited, but I worried I would never fit in with the other sixth graders.
Lucy, a girl in my class, who I thought was not ready for change, didn't like me from the start. In fact, I was pretty sure she hated me. I would ask her a question, and I could tell she thought I was a total idiot.
My teacher made us sit by each other for the last semester. Lucy was horrified.
I didn't wear make-up, and I didn't wear those awesome bell-bottom pants. I didn't exactly look like the coolest girl. But, I kept smiling at her, though she rolled her eyes, and I kept telling her she looked beautiful, even if she sighed in irritation.
Eventually, Lucy let me talk to her, even in sight of her ‘cool' friends. She started telling me how beautiful I looked. I still remember that first time when she smiled at me saying that, and I smiled right back, telling her thanks. Lucy invited me over to her house for sleepovers, and talked to me all the time instead her other friends. Lucy, the girl who hated me, called me her best friend. After that, we still were good friends a whole year later.
I may have moved to Arizona after that, but I will never forget Lucy. It's funny-- I still remember her birthday. She was a great friend. And to think, she considered me her enemy at first. Though it was hard, and it felt like I was wasting my time, and losing my dignity, I still smiled at Lucy when she made fun of me. I'm not stupid, I didn't think she was right in doing those things, but I still put up with it. And we became great friends. We became inseparable.
About two weeks ago, I read a quote by Abraham Lincoln: “Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?” Instantly, I smiled, thinking of Lucy. That quote just reminded me how great of a friend I used to have back in that state of Iowa five years ago.
Story was submitted anonymously
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Your Comments
That's great. I passed it on to a girl who hates me but I think this will help. Thank You!!
Posted over 2 years ago by CCL from Texas
At 52, I aspire to the strength of character this girl had at 11.
Posted over 2 years ago by Chris S. from Austin, Texas
It just goes to show how easy it is to be a friend.
Posted about 3 years ago by Lucy L. from Indiana, USA
Just living by the adage, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. If the world followed this creed, we would never be fighting each other. Thanks for being a wonderful example of true friendship.
Posted over 3 years ago by Norman O from Cayman Islands
I love this story and you inspired me to write one too. Thanks!
Posted over 3 years ago by Jennifer E. from Mesa, AZ
Your story really touched my heart. I have learned to be tolerant of anyone around me because if I am, they could be my best friend tomorrow. Thank you so much for sharing such a story.
Posted over 3 years ago by Obigeli U. from Lagos, Nigeria
That same thing happened to me with two people. We didn't like each other but were forced to interact with one another through mutual friends. But now I am better friends with those two than I was with our mutual friends!
Posted almost 4 years ago by Grace E. from
Reminds me that I must always allow for the possibility of an 'enemy' returning. But here's a caveat: there should be some sort of basis for extending forgiveness, especially in more serious incidents, apart from the general 'broadness of heart' in overlooking minor things. I don't believe in giving away my friendship to people who don't deserve it.
Posted almost 4 years ago by William M from Barbados West Indies
Your story is wonderful! I cannot wait to share it with my fifth grade students who will soon be moving on to middle school.
Posted almost 4 years ago by Lindsay B. from Madison, IN
Wow if the whole world worked that way I'm sure we could stop all the senseless violence in the world.
Posted about 4 years ago by Miguel M. from Arizona, USA