Family Encyclopedia >> Family

What does a friendship mean to you?

Today is Friends Day. At least according to and created by Facebook.
Normally I don't pay much attention to all those hypes, because if you can believe everything, every day is against something. From blue tie day to make-up-free day. I think a friendship is something special that should be dwelt on for once.

Friends day and friendship, what is that anyway?

Wikipedia describes it as follows:Friendship is a close (generally non-sexual) relationship or relationship between two or more people in which gender is not a factor. A friendship is therefore possible between a man and a woman, but also between two men or two women. The main thing on which a good friendship is built is trust and unconditionality. Someone with whom one has friendship is called a 'friend' or 'girlfriend'. Friendships are made. With words, like children do ("will we be friends?"), or without.

Friends help each other and are more accepting of each other than other relationships. What one does for each other as friends or girlfriends is also called friendship. In a disinterested friendship, one person looks at what the other needs and puts his own interests/desires in the background.

What I would personally like to add to that is; being able to share everything with each other, a listening ear, a shoulder, a smile and a tear. Being there for each other, even when unsolicited. Understanding and respecting each other.

Read also: true friendship, what does that mean to you?

A friendship is worth gold

People come and go in your life. There are some that stick. Because of a special bond, a click. Some you see regularly, others less often. But that doesn't necessarily affect the intensity of a friendship. I have a friendship of about 22 years. We met as teenagers, in the disco, and there was an immediate click. We were inseparable for years until our studies and boyfriends started playing tricks on us. Yet we found each other again and the click turned out to be as good as ever. There are still those moments when we can tell each other everything at a glance.

Still, there are friendships that started in my life only a few years ago. However, these are at least as precious and valuable to me. They are close to me and have stood by me through difficult times, and still are. At the most unexpected moments, sometimes unsolicited, they were spontaneously ready for me. I am extremely grateful for that and cherish these friendships.

Ode to the besties!

Friendships are beautiful. I see my children building beautiful bonds and have friends from playgroup and kindergarten. They are so familiar with each other that they occasionally clash. But most of all, they can be themselves with each other. Like me with my friends. A bell, app, hug, drink, pep talk, cry or giggle. We take care of each other, or each other's children. We think of each other.

I'm not into the friendship videos or passing on texts on Facebook on whatsapp. In other little beautiful ways I let them know that I love them. My besties. How happy I am to have the privilege of having you in my life.

Image used via Shutterstock