Friendship

“Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.” –Aristotle

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” -Unknown

I’ve been thinking a lot about this topic lately. It seems like more and more people are losing sight of what friendship is really made to be and how much having a good friend can impact your life for the better. We aren’t made to live life surrounded by surface level relationships. I would be lying if I said I operated in these traits with all my friendships. I have caused hurtful ends to many relationships because I thought of my self more often than her. But when I picture what a friend should look like and what kind of friend I want to be this is what I see.

She is going the same direction as you

Lasting friends grow together not apart. If you are traveling in different directions chances are at some point you are going to part ways and that’s ok. There are some friends who are good for a season and then you simply grow apart. Going in the same direction doesn’t mean you always like the same things or agree on everything it simply means you have the similar beliefs and goals for your life. People who live completely different lifestyles will eventually find it difficult to stay close.

She genuinely cares about the little things

She doesn’t mind hearing you rant about that creepy guy at the gym or how a minivan cut her off on her way to work. In fact she enjoys being a part of your life and she wants to know the details of your day.

She wants the best for you even when you don’t want it for yourself

She isn’t afraid to tell you that you are worth fighting for and deserve a guy who is willing to do that. She pushes you to be better because she see’s all you are capable of and she won’t ever let you settle.

She isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions

She notices when you’re off your game and doesn’t let it roll off her back. She isn’t afraid to pry because she knows that sometimes you want her to dig a little, it shows she really cares. She knows when its time for fun but also when you need a heart to heart and she is perfectly fine doing either. 

She makes you laugh

It seems so simple and yet it’s so often over looked. She can get you to belly laugh until your abs are sore and you can make her do that snorting laugh until you’re both crying. You have each other fully convinced that you are the funniest people on the planet.

She is careful with your heart

She knows your soft spots and she is cautious with her words. She doesn’t make subtle digs at your character. When she does go too far she apologies with sincerity because it was never her intention to hurt you.

She wants you to be the best you possible

She isn’t afraid that if you grow you’ll leave her behind. She is on her own journey of growth and she loves seeing the progress you are making in life.

She doesn't try to compete with you

You never have to worry about her trying to "out-do" you and she never makes you feel inferior.

She isn’t jealous of your other relationships.

She is secure in your friendship and in herself. She isn’t worried about you having other friends in fact she encourages it.

She never judges you

Even if she doesn’t always agree with your decisions, and you’ll know if she doesn’t, it’s never about judgment. She has your best interest in mind and there’s a good chance she’s just trying to protect you. She doesn’t love you less or see you differently but she isn’t willing to standby and let you self-destruct without saying something. You may not always listen but you always hear her.

She listens

She knows that sometimes there are no words of comfort that can be offered and there are times when her silent support is exactly what you need. She isn’t afraid to admit that she doesn’t have an answer but she is willing to sit with you until you find one for yourself or until you can manage to get up off the floor, whichever comes first.

She makes you feel safe

Nothing is off limits, from odd bodily functions to your most embarrassing habits, you can tell her anything without feeling self-conscious and you never question her motives. You can be exactly who you are and you know she will still love you.