RELATIONSHIP: Like Seriously, We Need True Friendships

My one time best friend never saw the need to invite me to her sister's wedding (although I'd not have attended because I'm broke). I was shocked when I saw the wedding pictures on BBM. I guess she is not my best friend anymore.

Where Did My Best Friend Go? 

Friends may come and go, but to have a lifelong, close, personal friendship is truly a great blessing.

My best friends have change over the years. Some I've long lost contact with while some have ended up being on a social media group page. We've lost connection. We've lost touch.

It got to a point in my life when I had no best friend. Just people I talk to. I became hungry for real friendship.

Ever been there? 

You probably have met and known many different people in your life too. Most of them are simply acquaintances, while others you consider friends. Out of these friends, there are only a few that you would consider to be close friends . . . best friends.

  

Most likely, it is that person who is as close to you as a brother or sister. S/he could be what the Bible calls, “a friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24), someone in whom you can confide and trust, and with whom you can share your hopes and dreams. A friend who is there not only through the good times, but also the bad - through thick and thin - someone who will not desert you when the going gets tough.

Someone who will be there when mum or dad pisses you off. (Lol. I said that because I had an argument with my mum yesterday). Someone who makes you laugh when you didn't know you'd smile. Someone who loves you for you.

However, these days, true friendships that stand the test of trials and time is rare. Real connections have deteriorated. Or is it just me thinking this way? 

I believe real friendships should emerge from mutual affection and form the social fabric of our lives. Good friends regard each other as special and irreplaceable. Each friendship should have a particular unique place of value in our hearts.

We need people who listen to our stories and can be there for us as we go through heartbreak and joy and all that life throws our way. Those who will defend us and stand with us when it feels like the world is against us. Those who will fight for us.

Sometimes we might feel lonely in a relationship, so we need to stay in touch with our best friends. It's great if your wifey/hubby turns out to be your best friend, but it's no excuse to let your other close pals fall by the wayside.

Let's make friendship a priority. 

I agree that some friendship might not support us in the ways that we need. That's unhealthy. When a friendship consistently leaves you feeling worse after spending time together, it might be time to reconsider the value of that relationship. (One of the reasons I opted out from a WhatsApp Chat group). 

Some benefits of true friendships include the following:

• Enhance the quality of your life
• Boost your immune system 
• Improve psychological health
• Increase longevity
• Strengthen resiliency
• Establish partners in crime (lol)
• Appreciate and motivate you
• Promote optimism and positive vibes
• Help manage heartbreak and loss 
• Provide a sense of belonging, security, and family
• Brings you closer to God

True Friendships Help You Grow

Above all, friendships help me grow. I've had the privilege to spend time with remarkable people, and the natural reward has been the opportunity to learn. In my personal relationships, I've gravitated towards people from whom I can learn. My best friends are people who challenge my thinking - and often change it. They lift me up in many ways.

You can do same. Cultivate friendships with people who challenge and add value to your life, and try and do the same for them. It will change your life.

Remember we are striving to live life filled with positivity, inspiration and love. ;)

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P.S. I have found true friendship in these ladies. They are the answer to a prayer; "Lord, I need a female bestie". I asked for one, and then he gave me a thousand. Our friendship is centered on God. We talk. We laugh. We pray.

We'll be meeting in April. You can join us (women only). Our arms are open wide to make new friends - friends who are on fire for God. Send me an email if you're interested. (or indicate your interest in the comment box below).

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"A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother."

What does friendship mean to you? How do you nourish friendships?

Written by Nwamaka Ajaegbu 

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Email: amakamedia@yahoo.com
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Heart Rays . . .giving out  the light.