Somebody to lean on

“Everybody needs somebody to lean on.” – Traveling Wilburys (Roy Orbison/Tom Petty) 1988.

Lean has multiple meanings from meat with little fat to efficient with little waste, but the Wilburys were talking about a verb, not an adjective. Their lyrics are a universal truth, a reminder of the beauty of inherent human connection.

“Lean on me when you’re not strong. I’ll be your friend and help you carry on.” – Bill Withers, 1972.

This sentiment includes animals, who, though untamed, exhibit emotions and whose very existence sometimes depends on cooperation.

In humans, it means more than just “I’ve got your back.” Bonds forged through mutual reliance and empathy enrich the human experience. Whether it be a friend offering a listening ear, a family member providing unwavering love, or a mentor imparting wisdom, these connections nourish our souls and foster personal growth.

Is it love, or merely infatuation? Companionship embodies vulnerability, an acknowledgement of our shared humanity and interdependence. Offering and receiving support, sharing personal information in the form of dreams, problems and goals, weaves the threads of compassion into the fabric of our collective existence.

Some of our fondest memories are of those who have helped us mature: our parents, our friends, our teachers and our church, expanding in adulthood to society in general. You have to be a friend to have a friend and, importantly, we don’t choose our relatives, but we do choose our friends.

In the end, leaning gives us connection, support and understanding as we find strength in this journey called life.