Yay! It’s Friendship Day!
Friendship day is a day in the year that several people (mostly Latin American and Asian) celebrate, as its name implies, – friendship. According to Wikipedia, on the 27th of April, 2011 the General Assembly of the United Nations declared July 30th as official International Friendship Day.
What I wonder though is, how many of us really have friends? Especially today that technology has made many of us more insular. Well, statistics say “In a lifetime, you make 396 friends, but only 1 out of 12 friendships last”. How many of those people whose names just popped up in your head are truly your friend?
Truth as I know it is, whatever the number of friends you have, just a few of them are true. Some may give a listening ear to your problems for entertainment, and share them as conversation starters, or put them up on social media for the clicks.
As the world celebrates friendship day, we call on everyone to appreciate the friendships they have, and where they do not, we share here below some sure-fire tips on identifying and cultivating true friendships.
- Create mutual hobbies.
Hobbies are incredibly important in building lasting bonds. Even if you don’t see someone often, it is those pastimes that will always give you a shared point of reference and help you to share commonalities as you grow separately.
- Be a shoulder to cry on.
To have good friends, you have to be a good friend. Be someone your friends can lean on in good times and bad. Most likely, they will return the favour if ever needed.
- Practice acceptance.
Being a true friend means loving them unconditionally and accepting their “flaws”. Always be that person for your friends!
- Share experiences.
It is the things you have in common and your shared interests that probably lead to friendships. Use these same practices to strengthen other friendships in your life!
- Prioritize each other.
We live in a world where it’s acceptable and expected to be constantly on the go! This doesn’t mean we can’t carve out some time for those most important to us.
- Be present.
It can be hurtful to feel like something is more important than your full attention. You also can’t completely enjoy something if your mind is someplace else! Live in the moment!
- Celebrate the small things.
Certain things might not seem like major accomplishments but when they’re happening to you, they feel like everything.
However, fact remains that building a true friendship is like forging a sword. After all the hammering and polishing something beautiful usually emerges. But like every first time, there could be imperfections. Don’t be discouraged by bad experiences, open up and live life.
So, to everyone reading this, regardless of race, colour or religion – Happy International Friendship Day! Love, TW.
