Friendship
How many friends does the average person in
Canada and the United States have, was the question posed. The answer appears
to be five or more close friends. I
thought about my own situation and realized that I had three close friends, and
about four or five friends who were not as close, but I still called them
friends and not acquaintances.
Friendship is complicated, Relationships
and friendships hold significant meaning to us. Friendship means more than
having a companion, friendship can involve a deep emotional connection built on
trust, respect, and affection. I read somewhere that each of us has a circle of
influence that changes as we move through the stages of our lives. When we are
young our circle is our family, our friends, our classmates, and others we
interact with over the year. The estimate of this circle is about 50 to 100 people.
When we marry, each partner invites as many members of their circle as they
can, and I believe the average attendance at a wedding range between 100 and
150 people.
When we are older our circle of influence reduces
and instead of between 50 and 100, we have a circle of influence of between 40
and 75. Our circle of close friends also grows smaller. When we were young, we
equated our popularity with the number of friends we had. As we grew and matured,
we recognized what true friendship meant and our circle of close friends
reduced to around 5.
I believe that one of the prime functions
of friendship is emotional support. Friends celebrate your successes, console
you in times of sadness, listen when you need to talk, without judgment.
Friends keep their promises, your confidences,
and your secrets. This allows friends to be vulnerable and open with one
another, knowing that their feelings and personal information will be treated
with care and respect. Trust is the cornerstone of any strong friendship.
In a true friendship, we accept one another
for we are, even if we have different opinions, beliefs, and lifestyles.
Many friendships start because we share interests
and activities. It could be a hobby, a love for a particular sport, or a mutual
passion for art. As we share these activities our friendship grows.
Friends stand by each other in both good
times and bad. They show unwavering support and commitment to the relationship,
even when faced with challenges or conflicts. Loyalty is an important component
of friendship.
Friendships are often built on a sense of
reciprocity. Both parties contribute to each other’s personal Growth and
development. They provide constructive feedback, encouragement, and motivation
to help each other achieve their goals.
Friendships that are lifelong adapt to
changes as friends continue to support one another as they grow and face new
challenges. Friendships also bring joy and fun into our lives. Spending time
with friends can lead to laughter, memorable experiences, and a sense of
belonging.
No one is perfect, and friends may make
mistakes or have disagreements. However, true friends are willing to work
through conflicts, understanding that the bond they share is significant. Friendship
is dynamic and evolving. Friends enrich our lives by creating a sense of
connection, belonging, and fulfillment that enhances our well-being and
supports us through the various challenges and joys of life. Tomorrow I will discuss
some tips on making new friends.
Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/
