Friendship

Since ancient times, humans have recognized the value of friendship and its importance in their lives. It is not merely a fleeting relationship or a product of contemporary life. but represents one of the most significant social bonds that humans form to connect with others through bonds of affection, trust, and solidarity. 

Since ancient times, humans have esteemed the value of friendship and its profound significance in their lives. It transcends mere transience or contemporary constructs, embodying one of the most profound social connections humans cultivate to foster bonds of affection, trust, and solidarity.

What is Friendship?

Friendship is a voluntary relationship between two or more people that is relatively long-lasting and in which those involved tend to be concerned with meeting the others’ needs and interests as well as satisfying their own desires. Friendships frequently develop through shared experiences in which the people involved learn that their association with one another is mutually gratifying.

Why do we need friendship in our lives?

Friendship deeply influences the formation of one's personality, beliefs, and behaviors. The presence of positive friends in an individual's life is considered a significant source of support, gratitude, and satisfaction, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing their ability to give and engage positively with others.

Some of the benefits of friendships include:

  • Enjoyment and Happiness: People experience positive emotions when they share their thoughts, feelings, activities, hobbies, and beautiful moments with their friends.

  • Health and Well-being: Good friendships contribute to boosting self-confidence and improving lifestyle patterns, and overall health. 

  • Improving Social Connection: Friendships contribute to socialization processes and serve as a key factor in shaping an individual's identity and ethical values and the development of social and cultural skills, as well as fostering a sense of belonging to the community.

  • Supportive Network: Strong friendships provide emotional and psychological support during difficult times as well as offering practical and material support to help individuals achieve their goals and accomplish tasks.

Characteristics of the good friend

  • Respect and Acceptance: accepting others as they are, including their values and opinions, and respecting their individuality without attempting to change them. They value their friend's independence and privacy, refraining from interfering in personal matters without permission or consent.

  • Honesty and Reliability: being honest in opinions and advice, trustworthy with secrets, committed to promises, and loyal in all circumstances, as trust is built on honesty and integrity.

  • Forgiveness: In long-term friendships, disagreements may arise from time to time. However, good friends are willing to apologize, forgive, and continue to enhance the positive friendship between them.

  • Caring and Positive Engagement: stands out in that enjoying their company, feeling comfortable and happy around them, sharing thoughts and interests.

  • Supportiveness and Empathy: shows up in crises and difficult circumstances, offering emotional, and material support, encouraging, empathizing, and ready to provide advice and assistance in solving problems and carrying out tasks

Friendship levels 

It depends on the depth and level of connection between friends, including:

  • Acquaintances: these relationships are superficial and limited, revolving around casual conversation and daily interactions, and rely on physical proximity.

  • Casual friends: Relies on shared work, hobbies, or activities. they enjoy spending time together. Conversations may be slightly deeper but usually avoid sensitive or controversial topics.

  • Close friends: built on empathy, understanding, and trust. Friends show genuine interest, share personal matters, and provide more emotional support. 

  • Intimate friends: Characterized by absolute trust, comprehensive support, deep understanding, and unconditional acceptance, making them a source of profound emotional support.

Bad Friendship

Despite the positive impact of friendship, having a bad or toxic friend can reinforce deviant or antisocial behavior. Many factors can destroy the friendships, including:

  • Betrayal and breaking promises, leading to a loss of trust.

  • Bullying and aggression, whether through hurtful words or hostile actions.

  • Jealousy, envy, and not accepting differences.

  • Negative personality and constant criticism.

  • Financial issues and significant life changes or shifts in priorities and interests.

These are some factors that may destroy your friendships. It's important to recognize them and work effectively to avoid or resolve them to maintain healthy relationships.