One of the benefits of having made and maintained friendships is the support and insight we gain from each other. But sometimes I wonder if as friends we don't offer too much. Recently we had guests over and we had gathered in the dining room to say our thank yous and goodbyes before our company departed for the night. One of my guests commented on how a piece of artwork was too small for a particular wall. I said nothing. But I thought about it. What I mulled over, was why we feel the compulsion to correct or inform other equally mature and experienced adults. When we give advice we assume the listener is in need of a little education. Maybe not. Last night on NPR I heard an interesting story about a father and daughter. When the daughter was younger, the father incorrectly identified an amphibian as a frog and not a toad which prompted the daughter to launch into a lesson on the difference between toads and frogs. The father went on to illustrate stories for children about toads and frogs and the daughter has given herself credit for illuminating her dad about the differences between toads and frogs. Recently, she uncovered illustrated poems about frogs and toads that predated her precocious adolescence and her lesson on amphibians. She realized he was humoring her. Maybe our only role as friends is to hug, accompany, listen and appreciate life with your friend. I did not move the painting, nor do I plan to move the painting. I like it exactly where it hangs.