On the Meaning of Friendship.

One of my friends on Facebook sent along a “status update,” something that’s supposed to discuss what she’s experiencing or thinking about.  Hers was on the nature of friendship, which got me thinking about what, to me, constitutes a true friend.

To me, a true friend is someone who cares about you regardless of your background, your financial status, how you look, what your house or car might look like, or even if you have a house or car at all.  A true friend cares about you because of who you are, not what, and he or she cares because of what makes you the unique individual you’ve become. 

Or, to put it another way, friends care.  They care how you’ve lived your life — what experiences you’ve gone through, and how they’ve made you who you are.  They help you observe the various life lessons you’ve learned over time, and celebrate your achievements while mourning your setbacks.  These are the things that bind you together.

It is that spark of interest from another person as to just how you’ve managed to get through it all that celebrates the best part of humanity.  And it’s one of the things that makes life worth living no matter how difficult it may be the rest of the time.

I can’t say enough about the value of true friendship.  Friendship is beyond any monetary price tag, and is right up there with love as far as I’m concerned. 

If you have a good friend, cherish him or her, and tell your friend often how much you care.  Life is too short, a truism often heard but rarely felt.  Please don’t leave words unsaid if you can help it.