Discovering friendship.

This morning I discovered that my friends care about me so much that they become somewhat worried if I do not reply to text messages within 24 hours. I was awoken by an international call at 7.30am by a concerned friend who just wanted to make sure I was still alive and well. I am.
As much as I appreciate the concern, I am somewhat bemused by it.
I guess it's been a LONG time since I have had anyone in my life who would actually notice if I have been out of contact for a day. In fact the last person to notice this would have been my Mum back when I still lived at home!
Don't get me wrong, it's lovely to feel so important and looked after... but also a little scary. This means I have to take into consideration other people's feelings again! Oh no! I can't just run off into the forest and live out my hermit dream without letting a few people know my plans first. I'm so used to being totally independent (and alone) and being the one to contact people first.
It is nice to feel loved though...