Friendship: A Personal Reflection

Friendship is often described as a relationship we choose for ourselves, unlike other relationships that are given to us, such as parents, siblings, and cousins. So, is friendship purely a choice, or is there a greater karmic connection involved?

Many believe that the people we encounter in this life are connected to us from a past life and they come into our lives for a reason. This is provided you subscribe to the notions of reincarnation and past lives. Personally, I do believe in these concepts, which leads me to trust in the idea of karmic connections. For me, friendship extends beyond merely choosing someone to call a friend; there is a deeper significance attached to it.

Friendship is likely a universal experience that evolves over time, just like people do as they grow. In our youth, friendships are among the most precious and meaningful relationships we have. The memories created with friends are unique and irreplaceable—those late-night conversations, the first confessions of love, the thrilling adventures we embark on together; the list goes on and on. The common thread in all of this is friendship itself.

As we enter adulthood, the meaning of this relationship begins to change. Individuals become more focused on building their own lives; priorities shift, new relationships spouse/ partner are formed, some move away and gradually this beautiful bond may begin to weaken. We often become selective about how we spend our time; energy and our preferences start to differ. Consequently, it reshapes the meaning of friendship. We may still harbour the same affection for our friends, but it becomes increasingly challenging to connect in the same way as we once did. Navigating these relationships now requires careful consideration because our friends are no longer just our friends; they are someone’s partner or parent.

A profound question that lingers in my mind is the ever-changing nature of this relationship. Is it the weight of newfound responsibility that alters the dynamic, or does the person change their perspective? One may never truly know. However, the reality is that friendships do transform. As we age, these bonds appear more transactional in nature. The mutual trust, love and respect that once defined them seem to diminish in importance.

 In my observation, Gen Z and Gen Alpha relate to friendship very differently; they seem to display less empathy and emotional connection. Perhaps they are better equipped to handle the evolving nature of friendships than we millennials were. We formed deep connections with our friends, making it challenging to adapt to those changes over time. In contrast, this new generation appears more focused and prepared to navigate relationships in a way that is beneficial for them.

Friendship is undoubtedly one of the most valuable bonds we can have, and nurturing its health should be a priority for everyone, regardless of where we are in life. We must remember, friends have often been our closest confidants, standing by us through thick and thin and supporting us during our lowest moments. So, even when life takes drastic turns, it’s essential to accept the bittersweet truth that while friendships may not hold the same intensity. They do adapt to the rhythm of our lives and the new roles we all play. Therefore, maybe it’s not about losing connection rather reinventing it and holding it close because we chose to form them.

Few lines on Friendship …..

‘Life is short but moments could be splendour

In this world of noise and endless chaos

Their voice makes you calmer

They bring you out from the deepest end

Make you smile and call you their friend

Don’t let them go whatever may happen

Because this is the bond that can never be broken.’