by M. F. Cunningham

Created on: September 08, 2010   Last Updated: September 10, 2010

It is very important to have friends in life, but as one gets older and wiser the definition of friendship has a tendency to change. True friendships can be emotionally satisfying and most often times play crucial roles at some point in your life.

A small select group of friends whom you can rely on and trust seems to be the most beneficial. One cannot develop true friendships if too many people are involved. As a person gets older friendships have a deeper and more profound meaning. They are valued at a higher rate than the friendships of your younger and earlier years. You have learned what true friendships are.

Women have a tendency to develop a different type of friendship than men. They rely on their friends to a greater extent than males. Women want more of a face to face type friendship. Men on the other hand want buddies to share activities with. Nevertheless, communication is the key in any friendship where talking a lot to that person grows the friendship over time.

True friends are non-judgmental and great listeners, if there are loads of people in your friendship circle, gossip and mistrust will eventually destroy the friendship circle. True friendships should be kept to a minimum.

Over time a person develops deep feelings for their friends and it not uncommon that friends spend hours talking. This can not be the case if your friendship circle is too wide. It takes time to build trust and this will not be the case if too many people are involved.

It is not necessary in any friendship that you know ever detail of that person's life, some things are best left unsaid. However, as humans we have innate desire and need for close relationships in life.

Another point to consider is that you can have many acquaintances, people with whom you share many interest. But acquaintances are not generally considered friends and it is important to not confuse the two.

There is a certain type of closeness that you share with a friend that you don't share with an acquaintance. There is something special about spending time with friends that is unlike spending time with family, siblings, a spouse or an acquaintance.

Lastly, true friendships should never be taken lightly. Most of us have lost relationships that we thought were true friendships only to find out that they were not. Choose your friends wisely. In your choice consider these factors when choosing friends. Do we have common interest, common background, common likes and dislikes. Is this person willing to share and just as willing to listen?

Lasting friendship's can be rewarding, there is a certain type of love that develops between friends that is unlike the love you share with a partner or spouse. Treasure and nurture those friendships!

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