Member-only story
The Gift of True Friends
Something to be cherished
Friendship has always been important to me, even as my understanding of it has evolved. When I was younger, I got caught up in quantity over quality. I wanted to be friends with everyone and have a full social calendar. But adolescence taught me that true friendship requires sincerity.
As an adult, I now cherish the few steadfast friends I’ve held onto rather than striving for popularity. Making new friends gets harder with age, but the ones who remain feel like chosen family. They are the rare gems.
My closest friendships have developed slowly over years of mutual trust, care, and compatibility. We may go long stretches without talking, but can pick up right where we left off. The connection transcends time and distance.
These friends have seen me through life’s ups and downs. They call me out when needed but are always there to lend an ear or shoulder. We share memories spanning years, inside jokes, and implicit understanding.
True friends offer their time and presence without expecting anything in return. They make me feel known. There is power in having people in your corner who knew you before you found success or status.
I’ve learned that one or two genuine friendships surpass any number of casual social ties when it comes to…