Who does the word “friend” bring to mind? Someone that is just fun to hang out with? A boyfriend or girlfriend? A childhood buddy? However significant it is in life, friendship is something I can’t live without.
So how are friendships formed? Some start with just saying “Hi” and finding a common interest; making a connection. Some begin with two people who have known each other for a long time and gradually become closer friends. Still others start with being thrown into something together like a sport, class, or club, and made to spend lots of time together. This eventually evolves into something more.
I think good friendships are built on trust. Trust that all those secrets will be kept and that I won’t be betrayed. I trust that my friends won’t let me down. The trust in relationships must be strong and unconditional. It is something that can only be built over time. For this reason, most strong friendships grounded on trust have lasted since childhood and are still sturdy today.
I believe that one important component is love. Two people who spend lots of time together will eventually get to know one another and grow to love each other. It’s when someone knows you way too well and loves you anyway. That inspires a powerful love for that person, linking your hearts together. This kind of bond cannot easily be broken.
Another factor of friendship is merely being there for one another. This can mean being confident that there is a shoulder to cry on through the hard times, and in turn being there to support them. I know that all of my friends will be there to lend a hand should I ever need it. It fabricates a faith that they will always be there when called for.
However, not all strong friendships are only between two people. Some people have a group of 3 or more people that they hang out with. Some have a group of friends, but they might be closer with one or two people than everyone else. Still others don’t really have one best friend, but lots of good friends, which works just as well as only two people.
Friendship is something in my life that I cannot live without. My friends keep me going; stop me from making a fool of myself and laughing with me (and at me!) when I mess up anyways. Most of my friendships are very strong, and I hope that I will have them for a lifetime.