Introduction: Friendship is a divine tie between one individual and the other. To love others in a spirit of detachment is a noble quality of character; and equally noble it is for others to accept this offer to love.
What is the Meaning of Friendship?
Friendship refers to the friendly or cordial relationship between two or more individuals who share common goals, common interests, and have common values.
Friendship is the reciprocity of a sentiment of love, care, affection, and compassion between two or more individuals. It refers to the feeling of:
- mutual trust and respect between individuals,
- friendly conduct among individuals,
- exchange of warm emotions, and
- cordial behavior and support between friends,
- bond or unity among companions, fellow-mate, etc.
Friendship is a sacred bond. The depraved is never entitled to such a sacred bond.
Concept of Friendship
Friendship between two people doesn’t mean that others are to be ignored. It can be between more than two people. There is a popular saying, “birds of a feather flock together”. It means a person is seen in the company of other people with common interest and similar habits.
People like to spend time in the company of their friends. They develop a liking for each other.
Darkness disappears at the advent of the light of the sun. Similarly, the presence of a genuine friend dispels the gloom of overweening disappointment. It may, even, create a heavenly atmosphere at a place under the grip of chaos.
The love between the brothers is a universally pronounced truth in human relations. The brotherly relation between Rama and Lakshmana were a noble instance, always held aloft for the virtuous to emulate. True friends, sometimes, outshine the genuine brothers in the intensity of love.
The two friends must always belong to the same and uneven level of feelings for each other. One may be qualitatively superior to the other; but this feeling must not be surfaced on any unguarded moment.
Also read: Importance of Friends in our life
Misunderstandings may crop up at times, no doubt. But, they must disappear soon as the pimples on the cheeks in a hot season. One friend should look upon his counterpart as his ‘guide, philosopher and friend’ (Alexander Pope).
Friendship, in due course, becomes old; and old friendship is surely unbreakable. No force in the world is potent enough to dislodge the tie between two old friends.
A comment from Leonard Wright, in this context, is relevant:
‘As old wood is best to burn, old horse to ride, old books to read, and old wine to drink, so are old friends always most trusted to use’.
Friendship between the two individuals has made them immortal; and they could reach such a proportion only because they rose above smallness and meanness.
Quotes on Friendship
1. “There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature.” -Wodehouse
The bond of friendship becomes very strong when they share common interest. This common interest help them connect and build a relationship that is sacred.
2. “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” - Helen Keller
We can relax and feel secure in the company of true friends. A true friend protects us from dangers. We can safely leave our worries and enjoy our moments, when we are with our friends. There is no risk even if we exercise zero caution while dealing with true friends. However, in spite of being utmost careful, there is a great risk involved in carrying out transactions with an unfaithful friend. It is often said that “an honest enemy is better than a fake friend”.
3. “Life has no blessing like a prudent friend.” - Euripides
Our friends also play the role of our guide and mentor. They keep us away from evils. Thus, a wise and prudent friend is truly a blessing. We can seek his advice anytime and solve our problems.
4. “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” - Walter Winchell
In the materialistic world, rich and successful people attract friends like a magnet. With the change in fortune, the attitude and behavior of such friends also changes. However, a true friend or a real friend always remain faithful and helpful. He behavior doesn’t change with time.
5. “Be slow to fall into friendship, but when thou are in, continue firm and constant.” - Socrates
We should choose our friend carefully. We should never make friends in a hurry. Friendship is a great responsibility. And, once we commit ourselves as a friend of someone, we should firm enough to stick to our decision. We should try our best to have all the noble qualities of a true friend.