As defined by Merriam Webster:
Main Entry: friend·ship
Pronunciation: 'fren(d)-"ship
Function: noun
1 : the state of being friends
2 : the quality or state of being friendly : FRIENDLINESS
3 obsolete : AID
So. What is the definition of "friend"?
Main Entry: friend
Pronunciation: 'frend
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English frend, from Old English frEond; akin to Old High German friunt friend, Old English frEon to love, frEo free
1 a : one attached to another by affection or esteem b : ACQUAINTANCE
2 a : one that is not hostile b : one that is of the same nation, party, or group
3 : one that favors or promotes something (as a charity)
4 : a favored companion
5 capitalized : a member of a Christian sect that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war -- called also Quaker
This all makes me think. I have always considered myself a good friend, but now I'm beginning to wonder. I have to reflect, because the people I had always thought were "good" friends, don't seem to be there much anymore. Is that maybe because I am not a good friend in return? It's worth looking into I think. Or, maybe the people I thought of as 'friends', are merely now becoming or have always been "acquaintances". Defined be Merriam Webster as:
1 a : the state of being acquainted b : personal knowledge : FAMILIARITY
2 a : the persons with whom one is acquainted b : a person whom one knows but who is not a particularly close friend
Just random thoughts. There are many opinions on what friendship really means. I came across this entry (merely one person's opinion) on Wikipedia, and it is much too long to put here, but I'll post this excerpt, because I agree with what it says:
" In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for many, friendship is nothing more than the trust that someone or something will not harm them.
Value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating on a consistent basis:
the tendency to desire what is best for each other.
sympathy and empathy.
honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth.
mutual understanding. "
Let's look at this statement again: Yet for many, friendship is nothing more than the trust that someone or something will not harm them.
Maybe this is the way most of the people I saw as good friends view friendship. Not quite the same way I look at close friendships.
Just random thoughts.
