Why I Never Have to See Them Again

For years I had a great group of friends, I think more than 30 years in total.

We did a lot together.

It started in the morning, often before breakfast. Just sending a text message, wishing each other a nice new day.

Usually after breakfast too. Did you eat well?

And so it went on all day long. Over coffee. After lunch.

We went on a trip together: we saw many countries together.

When I went to the forest for a walk, they usually came along. Together, with the dog.

You could say we were inseparable.

---

Until about a year and a half ago.

I went flying once. They weren't allowed to come.

A while before that they had also been stopped when we wanted to go out to eat. I was allowed in, but they did not enter the restaurant.

Nico and Tineke, because that's what my friends are called, were stopped in more and more places.

I always thought they were great friends, I usually felt very comfortable when they were around.

But I started to look at it differently. They never had any money on them, I always paid the bills. I recently calculated it: they cost me at least 85.000 euros.

We had fewer and fewer friends in common, many other friends had long since said goodbye to them.

Furthermore, they were not very good for my health. They hated sports and would never participate in any sporting activities. Except for walking.

But the worst thing was that they stank. I never really noticed it, but others around me did. But then again, do you say that to good friends: you stink so much?

I started trying to avoid them. But I kept running into them in unexpected places. Countless times I decided that I'd better say goodbye. I told them so, but they just didn't seem to get it.

Until the moment I finally dared to say goodbye. I called them and told them that we had had an incredible time, which I would not have wanted to miss, but that it was really over now. Nico and Tineke had cost me more than enough money and health.

---

Since I quit smoking, because that's what this is about of course, I still regularly think about my old friends Nico and Tineke.

I'm really glad I don't have to see them anymore.

Do you feel like you don't need to see certain people anymore? Or do you want to meet them again? We still have a few cars available for the upcoming long Ascension weekend!