Friend [frend] noun – 1. A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard (as defined by Dictionary.com). Since childhood, we would proclaim people we shared our crayons with as “friends”. But as we grew older we began to understand that trust and loyalty play a huge role in friendships.
Unfortunately, almost all of us have gotten screwed over by someone we thought was our friend, especially those we call “best friends forever”. We thought they were always going to be there and you never ever imagined them stealing your husband/wife. The naked truth, ladies and gentlemen? Friends do not exist.
Think about it. Your family is the only people that were there for you since the beginning on the day you were born. No matter how bad ties may get throughout the years, you can guarantee your family will be at your funeral. Parents and siblings do not forget you and you are always in their minds even after you are gone. Friends forget, find new “friends”, and may remember you every once in a while.
My mother has reiterated to me over and over again that my only friend in the world is her. Platonic friends come and go as you enter different stages of your life. Your best friend in middle school will probably not be your best friend in graduate school. But your mother and family will always be there. Sadly, interests are the only thing that attracts friends to people. Either that they need you to give them a ride somewhere or you know a cute guy they are trying to get with. It sounds completely sycophantic, but when you strip back all the “fluff” there is a motive for everything.
As to all rules, there are exceptions. Once in a blue moon one may find a “friend” that is almost like family. This rarely happens, but when it does this person leaves a profound influence on your life. This person is your right-hand, your best man at your wedding. But again, unfortunately, time separates people and it is more than likely that this friendship will erode. Whether it is due to proximity to each other or a complete change in personality.
The individuals in our lives whom we call friends can be better defined as pawns who take their turn at a temporary place in your life, give you immediate happiness that soon fades, and they make sure they leave with some benefit. Most people do not put their “friends” interest before theirs and make decisions that ruin friendships such as seducing their significant other or stealing money (Yes, it happens).
So the next time you think you hate your parents and couldn’t live without your friends, consider yourself wrong. Your family will be there unconditionally while friends might show up if it fits into their schedule. After all, blood is thicker than water.
