WHO IS A FRIEND?

Have you ever taken a moment to stop, sit back, and just reflect about life — the relationships you have, the people whom you share these relationships with, the friends you see and talk to every day? We often take the word “friend” for granted. We call everyone our friend. We have friends whom we’re friends with just because we’re classmates, organization-mates, workmates, colleagues, blockmates, etc. We have friends with whom we exchange intellectual ideas and random facts with just to fill up a conversation. We have friends whom we talk to because we need something from them. And the list goes on. But what will happen when you’re no longer classmates or workmates with them? What’ll happen when you no longer share the common interests with them? So, what exactly is a friend — a genuine friend? Try asking yourself: just whom among your friends are you comfortable sharing your personal problems and experiences with? Just who among your friends genuinely rejoices with you for your achievements and stays by your side during your downfalls? Just who among your friends can you ask favors from and would not hold it against you, would not make you feel like you owe them? Just who among your friends will have the courage to always be honest with you, despite sometimes having to hurt you just for the sake of your own good? Just who among your friends can you have heart-to-heart conversations with, feel better and energized afterwards and not worse than what you’re feeling before the conversation.

A true friend would never hold your imperfections, weaknesses, failures, and honest mistakes against you. A true friend knows that you are human, that you have your own shortcomings, but will love you anyway. These for me are what a true friend is. They may not necessarily be the people you spend most of your time with every day because sometimes, we may have those friends whom we don’t really hang that much with, but in the end, are the ones whom we know that they will always gladly lend an ear to listen. We know that we don’t have to see or talk to them everyday to know that they’ll always be on our side, especially when we need them the most. They are the ones who help you grow as a person, that leave a positive impact in our lives. It does not matter whether you are of same sex or not. Some people have the notion that a male cannot be a friend to a female,that is a fallacy on their part. Using myself as example,I have been a friend with a female by name Bagaaniah Prospera for quite sometime now and trust me she has been my best friend even though we are of different sex. I don't interact with her that much since I am miles away from her,but trust me she has made a significant impact in my life. She is someone I can trust and freely share my happiness and sorrows with.

So it doesn't really matter the sex of the person. A true friend is someone whom you can trust,a person who draws you closer to God,a person who checks up on you,a person who is honest,real and sincere,a person who is non-judgemental on you,a person you can share you happiness and sorrows without intimidation,a person who encourages and motivates you,a person who respects your decisions,a person who loves you unconditionally,a person who wants the best for you,a person you feel secured with,a person who does not use your weaknesses,imperfections and failures against you.