The Importance of Friendship

There are many valuable things in life, but friendship may be the most valuable.

To live life without the experience of friendship, is not living. Human interaction is a

necessity to survival, but developed friendships are essential to the successful well being of

anyone. Based upon the American Heritage Dictionary, the definition of a friend is, ?A person

whom one knows, likes and trusts.? But to all, Friendship has no defined terminology. The

definition of a friend, and friendship, is based upon oneself?s own notions. Many people look for

different characteristics in friends, things that may be common in nature. There are many different

types of friends that a person needs or wants. There are Five different categories for these friends.

It is best in nature to recognize and appreciate various kinds of friends.

The first type of friend in the friendship latter, is an acquaintance. This is the beginning to all

basics, and deeper friendships. This is the person with whom, is only known on a pure, and basic

level. The insight to this persons life, is merely an observation from a persons perception.

Usually, these are the types of friends that a person may meet in school, at work, local hang out?s,

or somewhere that is frequented often. They are greeted with a mere smile, and daily greeting.

These are the people that know of their acquaintance?s existence and appreciate their effort. Their

kind words can put a smile on the face of anyone, but the true meaning is hardly the truth. The

waitress at the local restaurant make be an acquaintance if she knows a persons regular routine, as

well as waves if she is seen outside of work. The traditional acquaint...

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friendship that is created without selfishness. These people that would fall in the category of

Significant Others would be boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands or wives.

After looking at the different aspects of friendship, it is obvious the inflictions that it makes

on life. Life can not be lived humanely without the doings of friends. The effect of human

affection is one of life?s finer indulgences. It is nearly impossible to avoid friendships, but it is ever

important to everyone to have these friendships. Ralph Waldo Emerson put it best when

describing friends in the Essay, ?Friendship.? When talking about friends, Waldo said, ?From the

highest degree of passionate love, to the lowest degree of good-will, they make the sweetness of

life.? Friends make true friendships possible, and with that, It makes life possible.