Recently, my sisters, mom, and I were able to visit my mom’s best friend, Carolina. It was such a wonderful experience! We are so grateful to have been able to have this opportunity through Delta Airlines.

One of the most remarkable things that I have found about their friendship is that they chatted together as if they lived across the street from one another, when they actually live thousands of miles away! It is amazing that friends could stay so consistent, loyal, and true to one another, no matter how long it’s been since they last saw each other. William Penn said: “A true friend freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.” 

Aristotle says there are three types of friendships: 

1. Friendships of Utility
2. Friendships of Pleasure 
3. and, Friendships of the Good

Utility friendships are those who only call on you when it’s convenient; Like when they need your help with studying, for example. 

Pleasure friends are people who you enjoy doing doing a specific activity with; For example, you might be in the book club with them, or on the same soccer team.

Lastly, the best kind of friendship is a friendship of the good. This friendship is based off of genuine respect and admiration for one another. This is the kind worth living for.

To me, there are five very important keystones of a genuine friendship:

1. They respect your values ~ They would NEVER ask you to compromise your principles, for themselves or anyone else. 
2.  They are a good influence ~ Your friend inspires you to be your best. They also push you to be more accepting of yourself. 
3. They want your happiness ~ Your friend wouldn’t refrain from giving you advice you need, even if they might risk losing you.
4.  They really pay attention to you and make time for you ~ No matter how busy life gets, your bestie will always listen to you and find some way to spend time with you.
5.  They’re there for you in your high points and low points ~ It’s good to have a friend who cheers for you when you’re successful, but it’s equally as important to have one that supports you when you’re not doing so great.

Do you have a friend like this? Said Muhammad Ali, “Friendship is not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”

Friends are the rainbows of life; They’re there through the sunny and rainy times in your life.    

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What does friendship mean to you?

[elyssa]