Lately I have experience a lot of people who use this word (Friendship/Friends) loosely and to be honest I don’t think most people know what friendship means.

So let’s start with the definition of friendship…….

1. Friendship is the cooperative and supportive relationship between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, affection, and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis.

2. Friends will welcome each other’s company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as the exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for some, the practical execution of friendship is little more than the trust that someone will not harm them.

3. Value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating the following on a consistent basis: the tendency to desire what is best for the other sympathy and empathy honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one’s counterpart mutual understanding.

No let’s dissect this….

1. The first sentence clearly states that a FRIENDSHIP is cooperative and supportive relationship between TWO or MORE people. So this means a friendship can’t come from just one person. If you find yourself constantly being cooperative and supportive to someone who rarely or never gives the same to you then guess what…that’s not a friend.

2. When I call you a friend that means I TRUST you and I know that when I am going through hard times in my life you will be there. There should be no DOUBT in my mind about that. Also if I call you a friend I should RECEIVE your company and loyalty with open arms because I know that what you tell me or do for me is NEVER with the intentions of harming me.

3. A friendship is CONSISTENT and while we show sympathy and empathy, we have to tell our friends the truth because IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY! A true friend will always speak the truth and in my opinion if you can’t speak the truth to that person not only is it selfish but you may want to reconsider if you really view this person as a friend. On the other hand you also have to receive what your friend tells you as well it works both ways. You can’t be stubborn and not hear what your friend has to say but expect for them to listen to you.

So for all of you who send me emails about your “friendship drama” that’s my opinion and wiki’s opinion on friendship.

If you find yourself constantly being hurt by someone not being a friend or not accepting your friendship then you may need to rethink if this person is worth your time.

Most of you sound like you are having issues with people who only want your friendship when it’s convenient for them. Well that’s not a friend that’s an associate. Friendship comes with rough times and sacrifice. That’s why you have to be very particular with who you call a friend. A friend is valuable and with enough nourishment and growth a friendship will become priceless and can last for a lifetime.

Have a thicksational day! Love you all!