The Gift of Friendship

I just returned from visiting a dear friend I hadn’t seen in ten years. A whole decade had passed, yet the moment we met, it was as if no time had passed. We picked up right where we left off—laughing, reminiscing, and diving deep into conversations that remind you why certain people are irreplaceable in your life.

This morning, as if the universe wanted to underline the experience, I came across a TED Talk on the importance of friendship. It was a powerful reminder that friendships aren’t just a nice thing—they are essential to our well-being.

Psychologists and researchers often emphasize how meaningful relationships contribute to happiness, resilience, and even longevity. But beyond the science, there’s something deeply personal about the way friendships shape us. They remind us who we are, reflect the best (and sometimes the most challenging) parts of ourselves, and hold space for us when we need it most.

Friendship has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. Over the years, I have prioritised staying in touch with the people who matter to me, even as life has taken us in different directions. As a result, I now have friends in all corners of the world. No matter where I go, I can always find someone to reconnect with, share a meal, reminisce, or simply pick up where we last left off.

There’s something special about arriving in a new city and knowing that somewhere in that place, a friend is waiting. It’s a reminder that while life moves fast and distances grow, the threads of friendship remain strong. Whether it’s a former colleague, a childhood friend, or someone I met along my journey, these relationships make the world feel a little smaller, a little warmer, and infinitely more meaningful.

“Don’t walk in front of me… I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me… I may not lead. Walk beside me… just be my friend”― Albert Camus.

Friendship is one of life’s purest forms of love. Unlike family, where bonds are often formed by birth, or romantic relationships, which sometimes come with expectations, friendship is a choice; one I choose to make over and over again.

?There’s something magical about a friend who has witnessed your journey through different phases of life. The friends who knew you before you “became” who you are today, who saw you stumble and grow, who cheered for your successes and sat with you in your sorrows, leave a lasting imprint on your heart.

In our fast-paced world, where work, family, and responsibilities often take centre stage, friendships can sometimes fade into the background. It’s easy to say, “I should call her” or “We should catch up,” but weeks turn into months and months into years. Yet, when we finally reconnect, we remember why that bond was so special in the first place.

Seeing my friend again after ten years reminded me that no matter how much time passes, true friendship doesn’t disappear; it waits. It might be quieter for a while, but when rekindled, it burns just as brightly as before.

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.

While some friendships withstand the test of time without much effort, most require intentionality. Here are a few ways to keep those connections alive:

??????1.????Reach Out, Even Without a Reason – A simple “thinking of you” message can mean the world to someone.

??????2.????Make Time, Even When Life is Busy – Relationships thrive when we invest in them. A quick coffee, a voice note, or a video call can bridge the distance.

??????3.????Celebrate the Small Moments – Birthdays, promotions, struggles—show up for each other, even in small ways.

??????4.????Be Present—When you connect, Give them your full attention. Put the phone away, listen deeply, and cherish the moment.

As I reflect on the brief time I spent with my friend, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Friendship is not about constant presence but about being there when it truly matters. It’s about knowing that somewhere in the world, there’s someone who carries a piece of your heart, no matter how much time or distance separates you.

So, if there’s a friend you’ve been meaning to reach out to—do it. Because, in the end, the greatest treasures in life aren’t the things we accumulate but the people who walk alongside us on this journey.

?“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” — Woodrow Wilson.