Friends

There have been so many movies, songs and even TV shows about Friends and Friendships. Why? Because good friends are one of life’s greatest treasures. While success, possessions, and accomplishments may bring temporary satisfaction, meaningful friendships provide lasting emotional support, encouragement, and joy. Throughout life’s highs and lows, good friends help shape who we are, strengthen our resilience, and enrich our overall well-being. Even the Bible describes a true friend as a person who sticks closer than a brother, is constant in his loyalty and friendliness, comes to the aid of his companion in distress, and gives counsel to him in faithfulness. I know a lot of people, however, my circle of close friends is small, and I truly value those relationships. Your true friends understand your journey.

When I was younger, I did not quite understand when someone did not want to be my friend. If you have ever felt that way, just know that it is completely normal to feel hurt, confused, disappointed, or even rejected when someone does not want to be your friend. Humans naturally want connection and belonging—those are basic emotional needs. When someone does not reciprocate friendship, it can feel personal, even when it often is not. Friendship is a two-way connection. Sometimes personalities, interests, timing, or life circumstances simply do not align. That does not mean there is something wrong with you or with them. It just means the connection may not be the right fit. Someone once told me to “stop auditioning for parts they are not casting for.” That helped me reset my expectations because I want friendships where I am valued, respected, and comfortable being myself. If someone does not want that connection with you, it often creates space for people who will appreciate you for who you are.

It has been my experience that strong friendships are based on accurate knowledge. Getting to know another person generally takes time and effort. We tend to become like the people we spend time with. This can be good or bad​—and that is true whether we spend time with them in person or on social media. However, on social networks, people can become “friends” with just the click of a mouse. Because people online are able to plan exactly what to say and control to some extent how others view them, it is easy for them to hide who they really are. Therefore, it is good to have an online ‘friending policy.’ Do not be afraid to ignore or reject friend requests from people you do not really know for fear of hurting their feelings.

One of the most important roles of good friends is providing support during difficult times. Life inevitably brings challenges such as personal struggles, professional setbacks, or unexpected hardships. Good friends offer a listening ear, honest advice, and comforting presence when we need it most. Simply knowing that someone genuinely cares can ease stress and help us navigate obstacles with greater confidence. This type of support often reminds us that we are not alone in our experiences. I remember pouring my heart to a close friend and all he did was listen attentively. That was all I needed at that moment. Someone to vent to.

Good friends also contribute to personal growth and self-improvement. True friends celebrate our strengths while also helping us recognize areas where we can improve. They challenge us to become better versions of ourselves, sometimes by offering constructive feedback or encouraging us to step outside of our comfort zones. Because good friends care about our success and happiness, they motivate us to pursue goals and dreams we might otherwise hesitate to chase.

In addition to support and growth, good friends bring joy and balance to our lives. Shared laughter, memorable experiences, and simple everyday conversations create a sense of belonging and happiness. Friendships often provide a break from life’s responsibilities and pressures, allowing individuals to relax and recharge emotionally. These positive interactions can improve mental health, reduce feelings of loneliness, and enhance overall life satisfaction.

Trust and loyalty are also foundational qualities of strong friendships. Good friends respect boundaries, keep confidences, and stand by each other during both good and challenging times. This reliability builds deep connections that often last for years, or even a lifetime. Such relationships create a safe environment where individuals feel accepted and valued for who they truly are.

Finally, good friends help shape our identity and outlook on life. The people we spend time with often influence our attitudes, habits, and perspectives. Positive friendships encourage kindness, integrity, and empathy, which can impact not only our personal lives but also our relationships with others. Good friends inspire us to be better partners, coworkers, and community members.

In conclusion, good friends play a vital role in emotional support, personal growth, happiness, trust, and character development. They enrich our lives in ways that material success cannot replace. Investing time and effort into maintaining strong, healthy friendships is one of the most valuable choices a person can make. True friendship is not only about sharing good moments but also about standing together through life’s challenges, making the journey more meaningful, and fulfilling. So, choose your friends wisely!

Take care of yourself and each other!