What it Means to Be a Friend

What it Means to Be a Friend

The dictionary defines friendship as “a state of mutual support, esteem, and trust between two people”. Friendships are important relationships in one’s life. Friends are those that we share a bond with.  When you need a shoulder to cry on or lean on, a friend is someone that will be there for you. A friend is not judgmental and accepts you for who you are.  When you need help a friend will step in and ask, “What can I do”. A friend calls to check on you, not just when they need something. A friend brings you soup when you are not feeling well.  Friends will tell you the truth even though it might compromise the relationship.  Friends listen attentively when issues arise and provide input when warranted. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but a true friend will have footprints in your heart”.

 A good friendship is like therapy. Sometimes just talking and venting to someone that really understands you is all that you need to feel better.  You feel comfortable expressing your innermost feelings with your friend because you know it will be between just the two of you.   An unknown author stated, “A true friend is someone who sees the pain in your eyes while everyone else sees the smile on your face”.  They see your pain. Many say the eyes are mirrors of your soul.  A real friend just “gets you”.  They know you, your likes and dislikes. They are your “ride or die”. They will be with you through thick and thin.

Friends leave us for numerous reasons. Friends are lost through death, misunderstandings, jealousy, stubbornness, and unwillingness to forgive just to name a few. In some instances, we outgrow our friends and find new friends. Then there are times when friendships are lost for reasons we will never know or understand.  I feel that some friends are in our lives just for a season.  Sometimes friends cross our paths to teach us things we need to know. There are times when God sends us friends to distract us from negativity and toxicity. When things are not going well in walks someone, bubbly and positive, who helps us remember all the reasons we have to be thankful. They point us in the direction of our blessings when we are too stressed and distracted to “see the light”. Through it, all realize that friendship is about reciprocity.  In order to have a friend you must first be a friend. When you think of those that are your friends ask yourself are you there for them in the same way that they are there for you. If the answer is “yes”, then you are a true friend. Friends are sometimes as close or closer than family. If you have a true friend, take the time to let that person know how much they are appreciated. Lastly, in the words of Beyonce” Be your own best friend”.  Without self-love how can you truly care about anyone else?  Thumbs up, like, and share.

Marvin Dixon, Founder

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