That's What Friends Are For

"...Keep shining, keep smiling

Knowing you can always count on me

For sure

That's what friends are for

In good times

And bad times

I'll be at your side forever more

That what's friends are for"

So goes the lyrics of Dionne Warwick's inspiring song, That's What Friends Are For. Without doubt, this tune is always playing in my head when I think of my friends.

A question that must have crossed most people's mind rather often is, does friendship endure a lifetime? Friendship is something which connects people through mutual knowledge, respect, esteem and affection. It revolves around loyalty, empathy, genuine affection for each other and the ability to understand others. We often think whether our friend really cares and feels for us in the same way that we do. If they indeed do, then we are some of the fortunate people in the world.

(L to R): Audie, Winnie, Yoko, Adrenaline Junkie, Giri

In today's fast and artificial world, what looks apparent from outside may not be the same from inside. People try to take advantage of one another, all in the name of friendship. Friendship somewhere down the line has lost its true meaning and significance. Friendship at one time meant lots of sacrifice and doing anything for one another come what may but sadly, today, it sometimes means "what's in it for me?".

In today's world, friendship also means hanging around coffee shops, movies, shopping malls and having a good time together. People these days have taken friendship to be a kind of recreation and a medium of spending free and leisure time. It has lost its luster and meaning today because our views regarding what we expect from life and relationships have changed. In big cities especially, we live by the mantra "to each, his own".

(Sitting L to R): Hazel, Siti, Helen (Standing L to R): Adrenaline Junkie, Rogayah, Aishah

Some view friendship as a stepping stone to success. At times they become manipulative and try to take advantage of friends because of the influence they yield in certain social circles. Friends are people whom you would really like to count upon and trust them for anything. Wouldn't you raise a smile in the middle of a boring day if a friend suddenly calls just to say "Hello"?. It feels good to know that somebody thinks about you and cares for your feelings.

To keep friendship alive, it is also equally important to reciprocate your friend's feelings. A one sided friendship doesn't last for long. First, we need to realize how important is a friend for us. We need to ask ourselves if we can give something to them without expecting anything in return. A friend who stands by you through thick and thin is a 'True Friend'. They love you for what you are and really don't care about how you look or what you have.

As I reflect upon some of the difficult times that I had gone through, I feel very blessed and grateful for having real friends to count on. They were there to cheer me up in hospital, drive me around when I was unable to, include me in all of their social plans without being asked to and cheer me up when I feel blue. In hard times, when you don't have anyone to stand by you, they stick with you and try to make things smoother for you. Saying "A friend in need is a friend indeed" does not mean anything if one does not walk the talk. True friends will be there for you in good times as well as bad. A true friend does not try to change you but accepts you as you are. Such friendships are rare and precious possessions and should be valued by those who have it.

With Torah

True and good friends are really hard to find, so if you have some, don't take them for granted. They would be friends for a lifetime. Life will be more enjoyable and the world may seem to be a much better place to live if you have got true friends who love you and respect you.

Thank you girls, for being my friends!