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1991 – Long-Lasting Friendships In The Making

Friendships can be amazing, and here’s why. So last week I met up with a friend I had not seen since 1991! A friendship I at that time had no idea would last this long.

You see, we went to grade school together. My friend Anu, moved away at the end of 4th grade.

We had been in the same class from the second grade and became friends. When his family moved away, I never really thought about not ever seeing him again, or if we would have a friendship.

Years passed by and we didn’t se or hear from each other.

Thanks to Facebook, we were able to reconnect and build on our friendship. He lives in London and I live in Vienna. it seemed like every time we planned to find a way to meet, it would not work out. UNTIL NOW!

You can imagine my excitement when he finally bought his ticket and was heading to Vienna. 

To cut a long story short, we had a fun reunion with lots of food, drinks and most importantly laughter.

It is funny how you can reconnect with someone after 25 YEARS! and feel like you only saw the person yesterday. 

Friendship is defined as a relationship of mutual affection between people. A stronger form of interpersonal bond than an association.

The value of friendship is something that few people really appreciate.

Most often time, it is that moment when you need a friend or someone to talk to that you know you can trust, that you realize just how important it is to have a strong relationship to another person.

We do not always have the time to get together with friends, but with technology these days, you can usually get a hold of them by phone, email or text and social media.

I prefer face to face conversations, however, we cannot always fit them into our schedule.

Good conversation usually equals a great friendship.

Why Is It Great To Have Friendships?

Simple. Good friends are good for your health, both in good and bad times.
Friends can help to:

– improve your self-confidence and self-worth

– increase your sense of belonging and purpose

– reduce your stress

– help boost your happiness

– reduce your stress

– support you and help you cope during tough times

– encourage you

– inspire and motivate you

 What Is A Healthy Number Of Friends?

Quality not quantity. Took me a while growing up to figure this one out!

It is excellent to have a diverse network of friends and acquaintances, especially for someone like me who travels a lot.

It is more important, though, to nurture a few close friends who will be there for you.
Do away with fair-weather friends. Those the types who are only a friend when circumstances are pleasant or profitable.

There Are Different Types of Friendships

 1. Friendships of Value

This is the type of friends where you value one another as people. You spend time together and one another’s company. There are no hidden agendas, and there is mutual trust and respect.
I love chatting with good friends for hours on the phone, or meeting for lunch or drinks and having a great laugh! It does wonders to my soul!

This is the highest form of friendship.

 2. Friendships of Mutual Interest

These kinds of friendships are usually based on a hobby or common interest. Dancing, yoga, sports, baby groups, art and so on. That is where your friendship is rooted.

Most times when one person loses interest in the hobby, the friendship ends.

 3. Friendships of Use

We all have one or two “friends” we never hear from except when they need something.
Once or twice a year, you get an email or text message from them asking how you are, or if you would like to meet for lunch or a drink.

In the back of your mind, you know they want or need something. an email That’s about as deep as the friendship goes. I sometimes find these requests irritating. It is so obvious why they are contacting you and you wonder if they have no shame!

At the same time, you must ask yourself why you are keeping this person in your life.

 Characteristics Of A True Friend

A true friend is not just sympathetic, they are empathetic. They share your feelings and are happy when you are happy, or sad when you are down.

A true friend will still love and respect you when you disagree.

Friendship is not about having the same opinions on all topics.

Have you had friendships tested when there is a disagreement? How did it end?

A good friend will give you advice and tell you what you need to hear (even though you may not like it).

True and close friends nurture friendships and communicate with you regularly. They are interested in what is going on in your life.

A true friend has earned your trust, just as you have earned theirs. You are able to confide in them about private and confidential matters in your life and do not ever have to worry about them sharing your information with another person.

Why You Should Nurture Your Friendships

Nurturing friendships is a way to make sure that it continues to grow and become stronger.

Here are a few ways you can nurture your friendships:
– Listen
– Be Open
– Show Vulnerability
– Be kind
– Trust and show you can be trusted
– Be available
– Show empathy

Friendships will change and that is nothing to be afraid of. See it as a good and positive thing. This change is because people grow and it does not mean the friendship needs to end.

Boning with like-minded people are essential because they reflect back to us the ideals that are most important to us.
The oldest friendship I have is 26 years old. How about you?

Think about the friendships in your life. Is your support system a good, positive, motivational one? Or do you have friends in your life who undermine you?
After reading this, reflect and think about whether you are a good friend.

Share your thoughts on friendships with me in the comment section below.