by Shawna Blake

Created on: March 01, 2008

One can learn much from even the most proverbial of quotes concerning friendship. Especially since few of these statements do not fail to ring true. That is, if you're lucky enough to possess that which is one of the greatest gifts that one can bestow upon you. There are reasons that we find these quotes to be profound. In a busy, complicated life, we take many things for granted. This, unfortunately includes our most coveted friendships. Losing communication with old pals, or failing to keep in touch with genuine souls, is not the worst thing. If the friendship is true, this should not deter it from continuing.

-"The only way to have a friend is to be one" (Unknown). When you find yourself overwhelmed by friends, you should reciprocate. When you are down and out, your friend is there to listen to your woes. You should of course, be able, or at least willing to return the favor. Treat your friend like you expect your friend to treat you.

-"The road to a friend's house is never too long" (Danish Proverb). When a friend needs you, whether it be the middle of the night, or the break of day, hastening to their side should be second nature. Have you ever traveled many miles to be with a friend? No matter the distance, it is the destination that is worth the ride.

-"A real friend is someone who walks in when the rest of the world walks out" (Proverb). Only your true friends will stand by you through all of the troubles that you will face in life. This is not a hindrance, it is a blessing. This allows you the ability to recognize your true friends from the imposter's.

-"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked" (Bernard Meltzer). Perhaps the truest statement of all; we all have our quirks and complexities. Having a friend that shares these, or appreciates yours is truly priceless. No one is perfect, face it, so finding the partner that not only accepts your flaws, but enjoys them, is lucky.

-"Business, you know, may bring money, but friendship hardly ever does" (Jane Austen). Money can not buy love, so how could it buy friendship? Basically what you will receive from your friends is better than money. It is the inside jokes, the funny moments, the shared laughter, and the content feelings are worth more than gold.

-"It takes a long time to grow an old friend" (John Leonard). When you find a true friend, you must keep them. Friends are few and far between, at least worthy friends, and so keeping them is essential. A good friend will stay within the boundaries of your life, no matter the miles or time. With a good friend, you can pick up right where you left off.

-"Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness" (Lois L. Kaufman). Once you have established a friendship, and it is solidified, you may harvest joys abound. Everything beautiful stems from friendship. Not to say there will not be gray days, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks where friends are concerned.

Though friendship is a blessing, it is also a reward. It is something that should be relished, yet requires effort. Having a friend means that you must be a confidante, a sounding board, a listener, a giver and not a taker. Few things in this world can trump a good, loyal, faithful friend. Even love can not always prevail over friendship. It is a learning experience, and it is something that you may carry with you during your entire lifetime. Imagine when you are eighty years old, and can say, "I have always been your friend" to someone. That is a feeling that is priceless.

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