There
is a far deeper meaning to friendship, than what we normally perceive. While
many of us may feel the primary reason for having friends is for social
interaction and entertainment, if we look more closely to what it means we will
realize that the reasons go way beyond that.
Friendship
is not only about spending time with like-minded people so that one doesn’t get
bored on a Saturday evening; its purpose is far more meaningful. It is about love and understanding. It stretches beyond our family relationships
and lends us a support that is different.
It is about a different kind of love.
With
our families we are sometimes wary about discussing our fears or difficulties,
but with friends often it is easier to discuss our feelings, as there remains a
space that is personal yet with fewer expectations. It is a space that is built on sharing –
sharing of our joys and sorrows, of discussion and reasoning, and many other
things that urge us to open our hearts to others.
It
is in friendship that we also learn to be less judgemental and to be accepting
of other people’s differences and eccentricities and to be open to loving our
friends even if they don’t think like us or share our philosophies. Friendship teaches us to be helpful. To give support and a listening ear to our
mates, to be there for them in times of need or celebration, and to be part of
their lives as a person that gives them comfort and who is able to understand
and accept them for who they are.
Cherish
and celebrate the spirit of friendship, everyday.
Happy Reading,
D. Senthil Kannan
Article Dated Nov 2006
