Learning to Be a Friend
What does it mean to truly be a friend? It seems so simple—just hang out and that’s it. But being a friend is actually much more than just calling to check in, discussing someone else, or visiting each other. Sure, that might be what casual friendship looks like. But genuine friendship? That’s something deeper.
I have a friend whom I consider a true friend. Recently, she needed help and reached out to me. At that moment, I was swamped with my own tasks. But then, I felt a strong urge to assist her. It was as if some unseen force (not by my own will!) compelled me to help. When I brought her what she needed (and time was running out), she burst into tears like a child. She was so overwhelmed and happy. Those tears were genuine; I thought she might hug me to death! She jumped up, tearful, and started running around the room exclaiming, “I want to give you something! What can I give you?” I laughed because I didn’t need anything from her. But it was such a lovely moment. For her, it meant the world. And I realized (well, I understood in those last five minutes) that tomorrow, she wouldn’t need it anymore.
In that moment, I felt that this is what friendship is all about. True friendship.