If you didn’t know that there is such a thing as “make a friend day”, then you’re welcome, because today is “Make a Friend Day”.
But first, who is a friend? The dictionary definition of friend is “a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations”.
The urban dictionary puts it this way; a friend is a partner, not a leader or a follower.
Friends make up your social network, and having good friends can make your life easier in ways you cannot even begin to fathom. As a result, it is important to be intentional about who you make your friend and why. As you go on today to make a friend, ensure you are a good friend yourself.
Why do you need a friend? Well, here are four reasons why you need a friend;
Friends reciprocate
A friend is someone you love and who loves you, someone you respect and who respects you, someone whom you trust and who trusts you. A friend is honest and makes you want to be honest, too. A friend is someone you look forward to seeing and who looks forward to seeing you. It is a give and take equation.
So, this is important because at any point in time when you’re running low or empty on drive, zeal, courage, faith etc, having a good friend could make all the difference. They’ll provide the shoulder you need to cry on or give you the boost you need. And you also have to be this dependable to your friends. They also should be able to count on you.
Friends are loyal
A good friend is loyal; Loyalty doesn’t come by easily on these streets anymore, because we live in times where most people are out for themselves only, and want to do at the expense of others, i.e climb on the back of others to get to the top without any intention to reciprocate, however, true friendship is the opposite. Having a loyal friend or friends can make all the difference. You have each other’s backs at any and every given time.
Friends hold up a mirror to you
Having good friends can be likened to standing in front of a mirror. You get to see your reflection. Good friends cheer you on when you’re doing right and also correct and constructively criticize you when you do wrong, and vice versa.
Friends give to one another
With the valentine season upon us, many people are carried away with the activity of buying gifts for their romantic partners and spouses, and forgetting about their friends. This is not so right. Friends deserve gifts too. Buy gifts for your friends as often as you can, for their birthdays, special occasions or just because. Friendship is about giving, and giving goo friends also puts you in a position to receive.
It is pertinent to know and understand that choosing your friends shouldn’t be based on race, socio-economic advantages, religious or cultural biases, marital status, career accomplishments etc. You should however avoid negative energies, toxicity, envy and disloyalty when choosing your friends.