On Friendship

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Keep smiling, keep shining,
Knowing you can always count on me
That’s what friends are for

In good times, and bad times
I’ll be on your side for ever more
That’s what friends are for

On Twitter and on this blog, I have been criticized and condemned for doing things “a friend would never do”.

Because so much about what friendship means is personal perspective, I thought it was a good idea to write about what I think being a friend is all about.

Friends correct you

When a friend sees you going down the wrong path, she doesn’t sit still and watch. She tries to keep you on the right one. One of my friends has become a symbolic ‘conscience-keeper’ for me, to the point I ask myself before doing something: “What would Paul say/think about this?” – and only then do it.

Friends guide you

Where others may discourage or put you down, friends will act as trusted guides and advisors to help you progress or get out of trouble. Friends are people you can trust to give you the right kind of advice, without you having to worry about whether they have ulterior motives or hidden agendas.

Friends support you

When things go wrong, friends stick-up for you. Sadly, some mistake such undying ‘loyalty’ alone for true friendship. A friend will not support a wrong, unethical or unjustifiable action or stance – though a friend will accept you as you are, warts and all.

Friends help you

To be a better person. More successful in what you do. A friend helps you in thought, word and deed. There are too many ‘pseudo-friends’ who talk the talk, but won’t stick by you when push comes to shove. Friendship is measured by actions, not words alone.

Friends energize you

After spending time with my friends, I come back with my mental batteries recharged, raring to get back into action. Friends have that effect on you. They are an emotional tonic to get you over the blues and find meaning and purpose in life again.

Friends relax you

You can let down your hair and be yourself – because friends don’t care for the pretense and show you might feel compelled to put on for the rest of the world. Friends care for and like the real you. And so you can really relax in their presence.

I am blessed to have many friends. And I am blessed to be a friend to some nice people. Friendship is a privilege and friends are a fortune.

So, tell me…

What does friendship mean to you?

What are friends for?

What do you like your friends to do for/to you?