We humans are born social beings; we cannot live a deserted, isolated life. We are born into social groups and live our entire lives as a part of society. Thus, the social element cannot be ignored and removed from the evolution of an individual. And among all the people we interact with in our lives and in society - family members, neighbors, close relatives, colleagues at workplaces or people in the market as well as the large part of our interaction with people on social media - we don't get along with anyone and everyone. There are only some people who match our wavelength and become our friends, and more so, there is that one rare person whom we discover to be like our own self, whom we can confide in, whom we can call our one true friend. 

 

A true friend is like a mirror that never lies, and like a shadow that never leaves. It is difficult to find a true friend and luckily, if we have, it takes time and patience to build that level of trustworthiness and loyalty towards each other. 

 

Among all the relationships that we have in our lives, a true friend is no less than a blessing.  Friendship is the only relationship not pre-decided at our birth. It is the only relationship that we get to choose. It’s so true that we don't meet people by chance, they’re meant to cross our paths for a reason. And so do friends, and it is that one true friend that leaves their footprints in our heart. 

 

We all look for that one true friend in life. We want goodness around us; we want the best of people and well wishers to surround us. In fact, even in every other relationship, our expectations with people are immeasurable. That’s human nature. But we must also remember that, if we expect the good, we must do the good too. Before we look for the qualities of a true friend in someone, we must ensure to inculcate those qualities within us also. After all, Friendship is a virtue based on goodness. It is reciprocal in nature, it is to be pursued.

 

How do you identify a true friend? What are the signs of a true friend? Well, any person who demands your silence or denies your right to grow can never be your true friend. A true friend is someone who loves you unconditionally; someone who never judges you; someone who stands by you through thick and thin; someone who listens to your problems and keeps your secrets; and someone who never backbites you, deceives and betrays you. Or in simple words as said by Elbert Hubbard, American Writer, Publisher, Artist and Philosopher, “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you”.

 

True friends are like an extension of your own self. They know your flaws, your good sides and your bad ones. They are the best reflection you have of yourself.  To perceive a friend therefore, is necessarily in a manner to perceive oneself, and to know a friend is in a manner to know oneself.

 

 

So we all know deep in our hearts that there’s nothing more fun, unconditional and a ‘no-rules' relationship other than “Friendship”. It makes life beautiful, exciting and worth living. And for this lasting bond of friendship, words will always be less to express what we feel deep within about the special and unique bond of Friendship. Hence we leave you with the warm thoughts expressed in this beautiful poem on Friendship by Florence Margaret Smith, known as Stevie Smith, was an English poet and novelist.

The pleasures of friendship are exquisite,

How pleasant to go to a friend on a visit!

I go to my friend; we walk on the grass,

And the hours and moments like minutes pass.