The defination of 'friends' may vary from person to person. But in real sense, a true friends are people who share a mutual affection and are bonded by trust, support, and shared experiences. I have seen people who are too selfish when calling you a friend. They have certain hidden interest which you will get to know in later stage of friendship. My Dad always says that one should make friends with a matured person, because those people will help us in differrnt ways. Our Sanskrit too given a broader explanation of qualities of friends that one needs to look for. It says ;
सत्यसन्धो जितक्रोधो बलवन्तो रणप्रियः|
शान्तिशील गुणोपेताः संधेयाः पुरुषोत्तमाः ||
Satyaandho jitakrodho balavanto ranapriyah.
Shaantisheela gunopetah sandheyaah purushottanaah.
Satyasdandho = truthful, one who keeps his promise.
Jitakrodha = one who is never angry.
Balavanta = strong, powerful.
Ranapriyah = strong and courageous in battle.
Shaanti = peace.
Sheela = character, moral conduct.
Gunopetaah = endowed with good qualities.
Sandheyaah = make alliance.
Purushottamaah = excellent and superior persons.
i.e. One should make efforts to establish friendly relations with noble men who are truthful, do not get angry, are strong, brave and courageous in the event of war, have a calm nature and good character and are endowed with these good qualities.
One should assiduously befriend excellent and superior persons rather a mean and selfish person who leave us at times when we need them most. It may sounds difficult of finding such person. Friendship involves a deep level of understanding, care, and loyalty, with friends often helping each other through difficult times. Having all the above mentioned qualities will help them.in strong bonding.
One should know that, the best friends are those who enhance our life, support our growth, and make us feel loved and accepted for who we are. True friends accept us for who we are, with all our quirks and imperfections, and respect our choices and boundaries. I know it sounds difficult in modern times. But someone is there for a strong bonding...True friends are rare !
