On the blogosphere: When Friendship is Risky Business

Outlandish Notions is an interesting blog that touches upon many of the emotional landmines women encounter as they struggle and cope with infertility. A recent post, called Continuing the Conversation on Friendship, expresses the author’s fears about revealing such an intimate problem even to close friends.

Sharah writes: “Infertility is like a litmus test for friendships. Is this person a Class One friend, someone who will be there through thick and thin? Or are they a Class Two, someone who can be a friend during the good times of life only?”

Regardless of the specifics, when someone is vulnerable and reaches out for emotional support, it’s hard to anticipate how friends will react and whether or not they’ll respond in the way you would like or need them to.

The good news: Many times, friends will not only meet, but exceed your expectations. When that happens, the increased trust engendered between you may even kick the relationship up a notch. But that’s not always the case---which makes friendship a risky business.