FRIENDS..BLESSING..

Good Friends always remain True

TRUE FRIENDS ARE  BLESSINGS...

The book of Sirach says”A gentle word  makes many friends, an agreeable tongue calls forth gracious replies. Let your friends  be many ;but your counselors, one in a thousand! If you gain a friend,  begin with testing him/her and do not put your confidence in him/her too quickly. For ,there is the friend who is such when it suits him/her but he doesn’t remain faithful in the time of your adversity.

While the world today encourages one to have many friends, especially virtual friends,  and to interact with the maximum number of people, the definition of friend itself has changed. Most of our relationships today are superficial or at best. Hence, there is no inclination or time to proceed with caution, slowly, discover each other and once comfortable, share confidences and moments.

Because we have so many options, so many ways to connecting with people, whether over social media or travel, for instance, we tend to count a large number of people as’ friends’ but few of them would fit the bill in the true sense of the word.

Realfriends, therefore, are rare. Even in the purest of relationship there is an element of manipulation and hidden agendas. We  may easily mistake curiosity for concern, emotional bargaining for closeness and intimacy, overbearing comments for wisdom, put downs for frank criticism and unfair criticism metorship.

Mentors are friends.  They may not be life coaches but could often step into those shoes when the situation demands it. People seek our life coaches to learn to become positive again after bad experiences, to reflect and to cope better with loss and separation. When friends provide this kind of support, they are more like mentors than friends.

Friends are usually of our peer group and so they are a lot like us- if we are unwise, they too could be likewise; if we build castles in air, they too may float on clouds; if seek support ,they do,too.

Yet,  friends empathise with us,when we are faced with challenges. They remain loyal, faithful, keep us positive and cheerful,guide and direct us, reciprocate any feelings. They are companions on the journey of life. They walk at our side, besides us and along with us.

Ideal companions respect our privacy and allow us space. In all relationships, we need space to relax, to stay with who we are; companions never obstructs us , they gives constructive support and help.

Friends who are insincere may let us down..or we may just outgrow certain relationships. That is why,more than before , we need to be cautious, we need to go slowly in whom we befriend and who we go to counsel. People in everyday life come and go ,but some remain. They remain true and share and care our lives right up to the end. They will hold us by hand and stay with us till the end, no matter what..