Examining Imaginary Friends

It has been the practice of children all over the world to have an imaginary friend with whom they share all of their hopes, dreams, secrets, and fears. What first instigated this idea? It would have had to start with children knowing that often there is more than meets the eye. That some things are, in fact, invisible. Often times, parents encourage young children to have an imaginary friend, because their child is struggling socially or simply needs a vent for an overactive imagination. But what if there actually is something to these "imaginary" friends? Intangible guardians for those in need, self sacrificing and willing to take the blame for any number of misdeeds. At times, they are the only one to talk to when a young child is sitting in a chair facing into a corner. As the child grows up, so do their friends. Because of more tasking school work they see less and less of their best childhood friends. Finally, in High School, there is a social stigma against those who are friends with anyone less than visible. Long gone are the days when Calvin and Hobbes romped through the woods together and sunny summer days. Calvin is training at NASA to be on the first space shuttle to another planet. He still sends Hobbes a Christmas card with a picture of himself, Suzy, and the kids every year, but no phone calls, no visits.