by Rikijeanne

Created on: August 08, 2009

I have found over the years, that for me, a small group of friends is better in the long run. However, I also realize that those small groups may grow larger, or even smaller through the years. As we get older, some friendships will last longer and grow stronger, and others will fall or fade away. When we are young, we are more likely to associate those we call friends, right along side of those we call acquaintances. The more time we spend with these people, the more we learn about them and if they fit our own personal definition of the word friend. Some will seek out friendships based on popularity and recognition, others will seek out those with similar interests. We also learn to exclude certain people from our friends list, sometimes based solely on looks. Discrimination plays a huge role in the area of large and small groups of friends; and it happens in all of our lives if we let it.

For example, the girls who were cheerleaders in school, They probably thought they would be friends for life. They were discriminating in who they would let into their circle. They were a big group of friends, or were they? Most of them will tell you now, when they joined, they were just looking for a place to show off or a place to belong. Eventually, they probably all bonded in one way or another, but do you think that big group of cheerleaders went on to be friends for life? I don't think so. Chances are, that through the years that big group of so called friends, went on to be nothing more than a small group of acquaintances.

When speaking in terms of a friendship, one must first be able to determine what the word friend means to them. Being able to give, as well as receive in a friendship, is the key to a lasting friendship. Being a good listener and comforter, is a two way street in a true friendship; as is forgiveness. When we care about a friend, we should be able to feel their pain. We may not be able to help much, and we may not be in a good place ourselves, but we can always offer kind and loving support through our words. Friends should try to help each other work out problems if need be, or just be a shoulder to cry, or lean on. Friendship is many things to many people, but to me it simply means, friends may stumble, friends may fall, but friends still love, most of all.

Learn more about this author, Rikijeanne.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.