Friendships

“There is nothing on this earth to be prized than true friendship”- Thomas Aquinas

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬

One of the greatest mysteries in life is relationships. Relationships can be a gift and a curse at the same time. Through it, many have risen and fallen

Bill Clinton famously helped Obama win his election, and subsequently navigate the political world. Clinton reportedly helped Obama fundraise, endorsed him in various speeches, and gave him advice that would allow him to win over voters. According to CS Monitor, this was of no immediate benefit to Clinton, and was merely a way of one famous friend help another find success

On the other hand, most toxic relationships which have to do with things like drug overdose can also be caused by friends. Recently, I read an article on a celebrity that overdosed on hard drugs and was on the brink of death. As a result of this unfortunate incident, the star’s team have cut ties with friends and bad influences who were mainly the source of the star’s relapse

So now reading of these instances, one can easily be tempted to ask, “to have or not to have, that is the question”. Well, may I answer: have, but by all means have good friends who will aid you on your journey to destiny

In this world of social media, people don’t truly have physical friends but virtual ones which can be a bit superficial. Having likes and comments on your Facebook page or retweets on your Twitter page doesn’t amount to real and authentic friendship. Having a large following on your Instagram account is not friendship either. For all you know, they might be on your page to snoop on you out of nosiness and curiosity. I am in no way being a wet blanket on using social media. I am a user myself and have found it useful in terms of networking

The criteria for finding a friend is to be friendly as the last quote inferred. You cannot truly enjoy the rewards of a good relationship if you are standoffish and sort of an island. You sow a smile to reap a smile, you sow kindness to reap one. The opposite of that is true; sow selfishness, bitterness and you will reap according to the seed sown

What does it mean to be friendly? It means to be warm hearted, kind and reciprocal. The last point on being reciprocal is important to sustain relationships. It means when you text, I respond back with a text. When I see a missed call, I return that. It is simply “scratch my back and I scratch yours”. Most relationships and potentially, great ones take a nosedive because of reciprocity

I pray may we be able to build long lasting and positive relationships by being friendly

Till I come your way again…

Peace & Love