Friend. A relationship so easily ascribed to those around us. But what is it?
Many times, we'll meet some briefly and when we see them later on we introduce them as our friend. ... But are they really?
I like the Jane Austen time convention, of you met someone and they were an acquaintance. The only one Elizabeth termed friend outside of her family was Charlotte, and that's because they were intimate (meaning they confided more personal thoughts and feelings to each other).
For me, I have a series of relationships:
Classmate, Co-worker/Boss, Teacher, Roommate - all these people are in my life but have no other attachment to it beyond a specific time range that I am at a certain location.
Acquaintance - someone who I've met several times, done things with in a group setting, see frequently and we chat. Many times they are a friend of a friend. Since acquaintance can be an awkward word, I might just say, "I know them".
Casual friend - someone I can hang out with on a one by one basis. We're connected by common interests. Still do many things with them in groups though.
Friend - someone who takes more than a casual interest in my life, and I in theirs. We talk on a more frequent basis. Plan extended and more detailed activities together. I care about what happens in their lives, however, when we're separated by distance, it isn't the end of the world. It isn't hard. Our friendship will pick up again whenever and where ever we next see each other.
Family - this can include biological family, but in the concept of friendship, these are those persons to whom I am closest. I turn to them for help when in need. Their advice is important to me. We talk fairly regularly no matter the distance and we make plans to get together no matter what.
Many times, we'll meet some briefly and when we see them later on we introduce them as our friend. ... But are they really?
I like the Jane Austen time convention, of you met someone and they were an acquaintance. The only one Elizabeth termed friend outside of her family was Charlotte, and that's because they were intimate (meaning they confided more personal thoughts and feelings to each other).
For me, I have a series of relationships:
Classmate, Co-worker/Boss, Teacher, Roommate - all these people are in my life but have no other attachment to it beyond a specific time range that I am at a certain location.
Acquaintance - someone who I've met several times, done things with in a group setting, see frequently and we chat. Many times they are a friend of a friend. Since acquaintance can be an awkward word, I might just say, "I know them".
Casual friend - someone I can hang out with on a one by one basis. We're connected by common interests. Still do many things with them in groups though.
Friend - someone who takes more than a casual interest in my life, and I in theirs. We talk on a more frequent basis. Plan extended and more detailed activities together. I care about what happens in their lives, however, when we're separated by distance, it isn't the end of the world. It isn't hard. Our friendship will pick up again whenever and where ever we next see each other.
Family - this can include biological family, but in the concept of friendship, these are those persons to whom I am closest. I turn to them for help when in need. Their advice is important to me. We talk fairly regularly no matter the distance and we make plans to get together no matter what.
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