Friendship Essay, Research Paper

FRIENDSHIP

There are many valuable things in life, but friendship may be one of the most important. To live life without the experience of friendship, is life without living. Human interaction is a necessity to survival, but developed friendships are essential to the successful well being of anyone. Based upon Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of a friend is, “A person whom one knows, likes and trusts.” But to all, Friendship has no defined terminology. The definition of a friend, and friendship, is based upon one’s own notions. Many people look for different characteristics in friends, things that may be common in nature. There are many different types of friends that one wants or needs. There are Five different categories for these friends. It is best in nature to recognize and appreciate various kinds of friends.

The first type of friend in the friendship is an acquaintance. This is the beginning to all basics, and deeper friendships. This is the person with whom, is only known on a pure, and basic level. The insight to this person’s life, is merely an observation from a person’s perception. Usually, these are the types of friends that a person may meet in school, at work, local hang outs, or somewhere that is frequented often. They are greeted with a mere smile, and daily greeting. These are the people that know of their acquaintance’s existence and appreciate their effort. Their kind words can put a smile on the face of anyone, but the true meaning is hardly the truth. The Waitress at the local restaurant could be an acquaintance, if she knows a person’s regular routine, as well as waves if she is seen outside of work. The traditional acquaintance may be someone that

sits in class that is shared. It could even be a friend of a friend, someone that is seen frequently but the extent of conversations rarely going into depth. These persons we meet, hardly speak to, but we honour their existence. Once an acquaintance is found to be on a more common level, they may move into another category of friends.

The second category of friends is, Lifelong friends. They may have grown up next-door, or with these types of friends, are friends that are most cherished and respected. These types of people, will be there through the thick and thin. They are there without prejudice. They are valued as a friend, and cherished as family. A lifelong friend is someone with you can be sincere, yet honest with. Life long friends care about the individual inside, the values and morals that are yet forgotten in today’s society. It’s important that this person is upheld and respected in the manner in which is expected in return. It is the person with that is felt to be comfortable with, even at worst. Impatience is never an issue, concern for the individual is always the concern. They may have been a buddy in Kindergarten, maybe the little girl who was the playground bully, but now

the protector of all. In the foundation of life long friendship, tears will be shed and the bond developed between two individuals is one of the closest relationships one can have.

The next category of friends, and quite possibly the most important to the development of one’s identity, is the best friend. The best friend is the most trusted friend there is. They may change throughout life, but at the time, they may be one of the most important aspects of ones life. The person, who fulfils that role, will share many common bonds. Secrets are kept and smiles are a natural part of the relationship. This is the person who’s spare time is spent sharing common bonds, or just moral support. A best friend expects a lot of each, but in return they can be best morale you can get. Best friends can be supportive, but most of all, they tell it they way it is, or should be. These people are usually the friend that share all of the common ground. They have proven themselves. They may have been a highschool friend that dressed the same, or had

the same classes.

There are also friends that may be considered tradition friends. These are the people that you may talk to, but it’s not a necessity. They are people one could hang out with to expand their surroundings. There are there to listen, but they are not as trusting as a best friend. Usually these are people that are not important to your survival. These types of friends can come and go through out ones life. They are different faces and names, but they all serve the same purpose, to be there when convenient. A typical friend like this maybe someone that went to the same highschool, or someone who may have been involved in the same activities.

Finally, the last type of friend is a Significant other, many would argue with this, but actually it is a bond or form of friendship. In order to become a significant other, there must be a union of spirits. It is developed and formed at a partnership. To have this, they must share similar traits. There must be trust, confidence, and a commitment, all viable aspects in friends. Love is a form of friendship that is created without selfishness. These people that would fall in the category of Significant Others would be boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands or wives.

After looking at the different aspects of friendship, it is obvious the inflictions that it makes on life. Life cannot be lived without the doings of friends. The effect of human love is one of life’s finer indulgences. It is nearly impossible to avoid friendships, but it is ever important to everyone to have these friendships. Friends make true friendships possible, and with that, It makes life possible.