The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friendship, for me, has always been synonymous with family. Not the shallow relationship which exists between people whose conversations are erratic and often revolve around shallow topics. Friendship: that emotional intimacy of people who are willing to go the extra mile for one another. People who are intentional and care to know and respect one another. Such persons I consider as family.
I have very few friends, and that few I cherish a lot. Despite how tight my schedule, I'd manage to spare some moments for and with them. My attention? You have it for as much as I can give. It's a sacrifice I make to always be there for the people I call my friends, because, you see, they're family now. I chose to make them one.
There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves; it is not my nature.— Jane Austen
I'm attentive to the emotional needs of my friends, which isn't surprising considering that I'm an empath.
It's for this reason that I'd give and do anything—many times pretty inconvenient for me—within my ability to keep them in good cheer.
Listening, advising, words of encouragement and motivation, financial support, sharing my time—whatever I can give, as much as I can, to the best of my capabilities. And this too I expect from my friends, which brings me to the question of loyalty.
People have different ways of measuring friendship. For some, it's how much time you give; others how much financial support; yet others a question of sincerity, respect and whatnot.
For me, it's always—always—being about loyalty. Although, I'd like my friends to pay as much attention to me as I give them, I understand that people are as different are their engagements and commitments vary. That's to say that I might have more time on my hands than you have, that your schedules might not be as flexible as mine. However, the little time, attention, etc. that you can give, give willingly and selflessly. Why, I'd do exactly same if you're my friend (now family).
I'd like to be sure that you've always got my back, that you're not a fairweather pal. Would you offer a shoulder when I need one? Will I find your outstretched arm reaching out to me for support when I need a hand? Will I find warmth in your embrace when the whole world becomes cold? When the road feels lonely, will I turn I still find comfort in the physicality of your presence? If I fall will you catch me?
Would you be, truly, my person?
Or would I find your back against me when I need you? Why leave me to break my own fall when I slip? Why call me family when you're not ready to be one to me?
In the end—
Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.--G. Randolf
Well, I hope I'm not asking for too much, folks. Hahaha.