Friendship: A Vital Support Mechanism
Benefits of Friendship.
Individual wellbeing – physical, mental, and spiritual – is dependent upon environment and those factors which comprise that environment such as persons, places, etc. Friendship is an essential component of a strong, effective social network within an individual’s environment. Just as food and nutrients is needed to sustain the physical body, this friendship support mecha-nism is vital to emotional/mental health. Unconditional in nature, friendship is one human relationship that has survived the trials and tribulations since times immemorial. Strong attachment, mutual respect and similar interests are the fundamental traits of friendship. A meaningful and fulfilling friendship is based upon a unique blend of varied qualities. True friends are a rare treasure. Without them one cannot experience the essence and benefits of friendship. Friendships can make one a happier and healthier person for it fosters and encourages support, motivation, and accountability – life sustaining mechanisms. According to a University of Michigan study “feeling emotionally close to a friend increases levels of the hormone progesterone, helping to boost well-being and reduce anxiety and stress.”
Definitions of and views about friendship vary based on personal experience. Suffice to say, the overall success and benefit of a meaningful as well as fulfilling friendship is dependent upon an exceptional intermingling of qualities which include honesty, dependability, loyalty, flexibility, trustworthiness, and respect. Being able to tell a friend the truth even if it hurts exemplifies honesty. What a person needs to know as opposed to what they want to hear benefits them in the long run. Truth that only hurts is not beneficial to either party. It must be told in its entirety and when spoken must mean what it says. Most importantly through honesty, friends can be their true selves around one another and not be held captive by what will be thought about them. No matter what circumstances may occur in a person’s life, a true friend should be one that can be depended on to stay true, never doubt, be there in the good and best of times. Having one’s best interest at heart and being in their defense not only epitomizes dependability but loyalty as well.
Friends may have mutual interests, but still their needs and interests may not always correspond. Flexibility in essence shows a friend is willing to go beyond their personal boundaries (interest, needs, etc.) and care enough to do things for and with a friend even when they may not always want to. Whatever a person values, their friends should value. Friends share parts of their lives with each other they don’t often share with others. Trustworthiness exudes these qualities. Respect is the ultimate embodiment of love. Where there is no respect, true love cannot manifest. Friends may not always agree, but respect of variant positions and opinions manifest unconditional love. When such actions/qualities are genuinely reciprocated it makes friendship long-lasting and valuable. What is a lifesaver? A person that is effective and apt in time of distress or need. In the time of need and want, friends are true lifesavers..
James, the brother of Jesus of Nazareth, said “and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto for his righteousness: and he was called the friend of God (James 2:23).” He is the only biblical figure to garner such a title as a friend of God. How could and did such a friendship develop? Abraham displayed the above mentioned attributes thereby proving the relevance and value that even Almighty God placed on friendship.
Bibliography
Scofield, C.I. Reverend, Editor. The Scofield Study Bible. Oxford University Press: New York, 1917, p.1329.
University of Michigan. “Feeling Close To A Friend Increases Progesterone, Boosts Well-being And Reduces Anxiety And Stress.” Science Daily – 3 June 2009: http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/06/090602171941.htm
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