Friday, September 17, 2010
What is friendship made of?
Rhia wrote, "....I love how close Lennie and George are. I'm pretty sure by now the whole class knows that George would be the farmer and Lennie would be the mouse. We see in the very beginning how Lennie acts like a child. I am glad that George is always looking out for his friend. I think that a sign of a great friendship is when someone will stick with you through the toughest times and always have your back. I believe that is the friendship that George and Lennie share." How many kinds of friendships are there? When we decide to call someone a friend, we suggest that we have embraced the responsibilities that come with it. Otherwise, they are our colleagues, school mates, classmates, play mates, neighbors, acquaintances, relatives, team mates, etc. Many times immature (and I'm not referring to the young, only) people blurt out the title of "friend" without even thinking about what they are really implying. I blame that on the lack of language control and the moral superficiality/lassitude mainstream America seems to be showing through and through. Having said that, I beg to ask, how far should a person go in the name of friendship? Should someone break the law to protect a friend? How far should someone cover up for a friend? What makes and breaks relationships?
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I think true friendship is all about going the distance. Friends are commonly thought of as "family that we choose." As for the scenarios of "should someone break the law/ cover up for a friend." I'd like to think of it this way: Yes, friend A would do that for friend B, but friend B would not allow friend A to go through all that trouble for them. Friendship is a two-way street: it's a relationship that involves two people who meet each other half way, stop to say 'hi,' and continue going. True friends are the ones who are there, who never really leave. They're also the people you're there for, and you'd never want to leave.
ReplyDeleteFriendships can start with something as simple as shared interest and blossom into shared memories, shared thoughts, and shared futures. They're quite easy to make.
As for what breaks a friendship, it is usually on the lines of betrayal and/or loss of trust. These two factors, being the most common and most toxic, make friendships hard to keep. But when friendships are kept and long-lasting, hardly anything is more rewarding.
I'd like to add on another question to this, if this is too personal, feel free to be as vague as you'd like: Have you been lucky enough to encounter someone who you consider a "true friend," and what do you think makes those certain people true friends? were there any signs or certain memories that made you just... know that those people are your true friends?
This is definitely something to ponder on as a human being. Friendships can last a lifetime or cause us hurt; this being because friendships can go from one level to another.
ReplyDeleteBeing in a friendship comes with great responsibility and consideration, and yes, we all have our issues in our friendly relationships. For example, you can have two girls considering themselves best friends, and then, all of a sudden, it turns into a competition. Another example could be, when you have a group to hang around-sure they're always fun- but you realize that there are just some things in that group that go against your values and you end up feeling uncomfortable or insecure about things. There are so many other conditions of being in a friendship. The main thing to consider in all of these scenarios is (in agreement with Vana) how far they are willing to sacrifice to support you in the long run, or go the distance to fix something that they broke. My point is, it's their total consideration for the friendship, and them realizing their mistakes that can show you just how dedicated they are in the friendship. Because of this, and as a friend, we'd give back and return the support and appreciate the great times, as well as every apology made. From there, the friendship can prosper and grow.
How far should a person go in a friendship? Well there are always limits, and friends should always encourage what's healthy and best for each other when it comes to values and regulations. Friends should only go so far to protect the justice of one another the RIGHT WAY. If there's such an expectation in a friendship that is so great to the point where their friend is uncomfortable, then that is wrong. Neither friend should be held against their will or have to deal with something that is not moral. When it comes to covering up, as long as there is a just reason, it is fine, but it must be done, again, the right way. Covering up should be out of moral protection. A good friendship is based on spirituality, recognizing but accepting the right and wrong in each other's lives,trying to help out, showing your support, and having the utmost encouragement and care.
I, myself, do not so much believe in breaking the law for a friend. I believe it's a little extreme. If I were in somewhat of this situation, I'd consider the level of the rebellious act, and the consequences. More importantly, what got my friend into the situation in the first place. What kind of friend would that be. Personally, I like to go about doing things the right way, for I am religious. I look to God to give me that strength no matter what the temptations are that come around in my daily life.
Yes, I have been lucky enough to recognize/encounter the meaning of a true friend in my friends AND family. There's God, because I always find an answer to overcome obstacles and live happily. Then there are my parents who will forever guide me and stand beside me, and one special friend who has never left me out or given up on me no matter HOW MUCH OF A PRINCESS I may act like day to day.
And I just know, because it feels right and the words and actions of each of them redeem themselves in my life to satisfy me and show me a true appreciation of them and my life in itself.