What Defines Friendship?

[lovmy2girls]

Had a discussion today and we both walked away with some questions unanswered?



In your opinion what defines the difference between a friend and just an acquaintance?



Can anyone truly be a friend and not just an acquaintance?



Do you have a true friend (other than you spouse or significant other)?

 

[Robinrs]

In your opinion what defines the difference between a friend and just an acquaintance?

I have THOUSANDS of acquaintances. In 50 years, I can only claim 3 true FRIENDS.


Can anyone truly be a friend and not just an acquaintance?

Being a friend requires emotion and sincerity. You need neither of these for an acquaintance.



Do you have a true friend (other than you spouse or significant other)?

My best friend is my former boss and my son's Godmother. Just the other day she emailed me and told me that of all the people in the world, she KNEW I'd kill anyone who tried to hurt her. We've known each other for 15 years, 11 of which we worked side by side. She is my TRUE friend.

We only see each other maybe 4 times a year. We have our own lives but we always support each other. We communicated via phone and email and whenever either of us needs anything or has a problem, we're there. She was at my parents' funerals and I was at her wedding. When her son was arrested, I was there. When he needed anything, I was there. When my son needed anything, SHE was there. It's a commitment and one that will end at our gravesites.

Everyone needs just one friend like that.

 

[jenm2878]

Laughter helps define friendship as well as not having to watch what I say or how I say it. True friends just 'get it.' I think there are several levels of friendship between acquaintance and true friend. I have alot in the middle, but only one or two 'true' friends other then my DH. They tend to know more personal info and tend to be the first one I tell things to other then my DH or mom.

 

[TerriP]

Tyler Perry does a great job of describing the different levels of friendship. He uses the example of a tree...and, before I even start, let me say he does this MUCH better than I! <lol>

In our lives we will have many acquaintances, like leaves on a tree. They come and go...they are flimsy...they might provide shade when we need it, but they aren't permanent in our lives. Then there are branches. You might think they are sturdy and strong...but step out too far and BOOM! They'll break and you'll fall. Never, ever mistake a branch for being more than they are...they are great, they stick around for quite a while, but when you need them most, they just might let you down. Finally, there are roots. These are the people that will NEVER leave us, NEVER let us down. They are ALWAYS there for us. We might only have two or three roots in our entire lifetime, but we have to hold on to these people...they are who we need to keep around us. And remember, the biggest trees don't need a lot of roots...they just need to run DEEP to keep the tree upright.

I'm 31 and I can tell you I have ONE ROOT, for certain. I have lots of branches and tons of leaves, but only one root. I'm thankful for that person, I give thanks to Jesus for her every day. And even if I go my whole life with only that one root, I'll be fine...because she'll always be there to support me (and me, her). Trust me, if you have a true friendship, a true "root", you'll know the difference...you won't have to ask.