An Intimate Friendship
What is Your Definition of Friendship?
An intimate friendship might be characterized as one that has progressed beyond the initial levels of friendship to one of deep and meaningful connection.
An intimate friend is one we have come to acknowledge as a person we want in our life at a deep level. We find that we are willing to take steps to friendship that will make this valuable relationship even stronger.
For some of us our most intimate friends are those we have known for a lifetime. In our mobile society, however, there are fewer people who stay in the same location and have the same friends throughout life. Though lifelong friendships may be rare, when they do occur they are one of life's best gifts.
Fortunately, an intimate friendship is not only defined as one that begins in kindergarten and extends, uninterrupted, into old age. Some of us have lived in so many places that our connections to people we have known do not continue without great effort. Nevertheless, we can form close personal friendships at any age that have the potential to last for the remainder of our days.
Friendships that are intimate and last for a a long time are enhanced, and supported, by doing even more of the same things we did while were were pursuing a friendship. These steps to friendship are a commitment of time and energy are what will secure a lifelong friendship.
An intimate friendship may be one that has actually progressed to a romantic relationship. However that is not the only definition of a friendship that has reached the level of intimacy. An intimate friendship is one that:
- is characterized by deep mutual respect and trust.
- offers support and encouragement to both friends.
- does not leave either friend feeling that he or she has been the only "giver" in the relationship.
- is so desirable that each party looks forward to the next time they can be together.
Don’t allow good friendships to fade. Never take your friend for granted. Every relationship will thrive, or wither, according to the nurture and love that is given to it.
One of my favorite friendship poems is:
“Make new friends, but keep the old;
one is silver and the other is gold.”
These lines are the lyrics from a classic tune, and are so very true. People who live their lives without a circle of close friends, and at least one intimate friend, may fail to realize what they are missing.
We are social creatures who do not do well when we are alone. People who are willing to work toward healthy, lasting friendships enjoy a far richer and more meaningful life.
Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.
"Pooh!" he whispered.
"Yes, Piglet?"
"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw,
"I just wanted to be sure of you."
~A.A. Milne
Attract And Maintain Fruitful Friendships That Will Last A Life-Time
Steps to Friendship
Levels of Friendship
Ending A Friendship
Friendship Survival Kit
Quotes About Friendship
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Advice on Friendship
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