Having close friendships can be one of life's greatest joys. Many are proud to say we have at least one best friend, whether it's a person you've known for many years, your college roommate, or your significant other. If you're lucky, you call more than one person a great friend. A friend is someone you can always reconnect with, even after months of not speaking. Picking right back up with them is never weird. You know each other that well.
Aristotle on Friendship
There are different levels of friendship. Some are people we get friendly with because we have to work together and get along. Others are friends because we enjoy a common interest. According to the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, the most important friendships are "friendships of the good." These are based upon mutual respect and true appreciation for another person's qualities. Good friendships take longer to build, are powerful, and tend to endure, often for life.
Aristotle recognized that having "friendships of the good"is intrinsically essential to living a happy life. Think of the best friends you have. Realize how much you respect and admire them, how much fun you have together, and how he or she would be there for you when needed.
Relying on Good Friends
Good friends cry, laugh, and grow together. Most of us crave these types of friendships that don't give a second thought to responding to a 2:00 a.m. call for help in an emergency.
Who else but a good friend would you expect the truth from when you need brutal honesty about a job offer or making a wardrobe choice for a formal event? Your best friend will tell you the truth if you ask for it, understanding that the truth might hurt you momentarily, but knowing it will help you in the long run. And that's what friends are for: to care for and help one another, no matter what it takes.
When you have exciting news to tell, it's wonderful to be able to share it with a friend who will be just as excited and happy as you are. Some people have close-knit family members with whom they can share memories and life's ups and downs. Great friends are like family members that you've chosen.
Appreciate the good friends you treasure with these memorable quotes.
"Life is better with friends."
"Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but they're always there."
"Our friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things."
"A good friend knows all your best stories. A best friend has lived them with you."
"Friends are like four-leaf clovers, hard to find, but lucky to have."
"Friends are the family we choose for ourselves."
"One friend can change your whole life".
"To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world."
"Friends are the most important ingredient in the recipe of life."
"Because I have a brother, I will always have a friend."
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