Friends Are Free to Make Fools of Themselves

Every now and again, Bob will do something totally unpredictable. He might – for no apparent reason – decide to drape himself across the back of the sofa, stretching himself out in the most physically impossible position imaginable, seeming to defy the laws of gravity as he sleeps. Equally, he might suddenly start jumping and chasing around the room as if in pursuit of a fly or a wasp. His target is completely invisible – to me, at least.

If it were someone I didn’t know well, I might worry. I might fret about the fact that he was acting out of character. That he’s not the cat I once thought he was. But I don’t. Because it’s Bob, my best friend – I don’t bat an eyelid.

I don’t sit there analysing what has got into him, wondering whether there’s some deep psychological issue. I watch and laugh. (Unless he’s really doing damage to the furniture, of course.)

One of the great blessings of a strong friendship is that it gives you the freedom to be yourselves together, to let your hair down and go a little bit crazy every now and again. You know each other well enough not to take it seriously. It doesn’t change anything long-term.