Last update: 10 September, 2022
We have a tendency to call people friends who are often not. People who take advantage of us to get something in return, who are not there when we need it, but whom we justify by the affection we feel towards them. Proverbs and phrases about friendship often serve as a reminder that we cannot be so naive.
It is true that whoever finds a friend finds a treasure, but you need to be able to distinguish between "friends" and "acquaintances", because not everyone deserves our concern and our time. Being kind and generous to others is a wonderful quality, but not to the point of letting them trample us.
A true friend will never give you such headaches. You may find some of his behaviors highly annoying, sometimes pissing you off or arguing over nonsense, but when you really need it, he'll be there.
It doesn't matter if it's raining or snowing or if he has better things to do: he loves you and shows it to you. After all, what matters in these cases are the facts, not the well-meaning words. We leave you below 6 wonderful phrases about friendship to make you think.
6 phrases about friendship that will make you think
"He who seeks a friend without defects remains without friends"
This Turkish proverb it invites us to reflect on what we demand of others compared to what we demand of ourselves. Nobody is perfect, because we are human. Like all other people, we too have flaws that are respected (and sometimes even appreciated) by our loved ones.
Rejecting a person because we don't like their flaws says a lot about our self-esteem. If your friends are good, loyal and noble, everything else should take a back seat. Focus on the wonderful things they give you and not on their little flaws.
"Friendship multiplies joys and divides anguish"
This phrase is from the famous philosopher Sir Francesco Bacon. As he well knew, shared joys are doubly celebrated joys. The human being is a social animal, however much he may try to isolate himself. There is no better feeling than feeling understood and supported by friends, both in negative and positive moments.
This way you enjoy the good times twice as much and the sadness has less impact. A good friend will always know when to put his shoulder at our disposal and when it's time to make us laugh.
"Friends are like good books: it is not important that they are many, but that they are good"
Phrases about friendship are often of anonymous origin, like this one. Many people measure their self-esteem by the number of friends they have, and that's a mistake. Quantity does not always equate to quality. True friends can be counted on the fingers of one hand, remember that.
Those who pride themselves on being friends with everyone are not really friends with anyone. With a true friend we don't have to act or pretend to be someone we are not, because there is a special bond.
"A friend is a person who knows everything about you, yet loves you"
-Elbert Hubbard-
"The false friend is like the shadow that follows us while the sun lasts"
The Italian writer Carlo Dossi warns us about those who say they are friends, but in reality they are not. It is about who stays with us only when everything goes for the best, in moments when we enjoy the admiration of others. They are interested in us only for this reason, not because they really want our friendship.
Don't worry if you find it hard to tell them apart at first. When you experience less happy moments, you will notice their absence and indifference, which will not happen, however, with real friends. Know how to appreciate the friends you have and do not waste time with those who have disappointed you.
"Gradually distance yourself from a friend for whom you represent a means and not an end"
This advice from Ramón y Cajal makes a lot of sense. If you notice that someone is using you to achieve a purpose or some illegitimate end, get away from that person. You don't deserve such people in your life. A true friend will always be honest with you and he will never use you for his own gain.
If you do not want to discuss or have a direct confrontation with this person, it is better to move away little by little. Do it in a kind way and if this person asks you for an explanation, give it to him. Unlike her, at least you will be honest.
"If you want to get an idea about a man, look at who his friends are"
The French writer and theologian Fénelon is the author of one of the most friendship-centered sentences. If you really want to get to know a person, pay close attention to the people they choose to spend their time with. Friendships usually speak volumes about a person's values ​​and character.
It is true that sometimes errors in evaluation can be made, but it is still a factor to be taken into consideration. Friends are the family you choose, so paying attention to them is vital
