International Day of Friendship
July 30th
Our world faces many challenges, crises and forces of division — such as poverty, violence, and human rights abuses — among many others — that undermine peace, security, development and social harmony among the world's peoples.
To confront those crises and challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is friendship.
Through friendship — by accumulating bonds of camaraderie and developing strong ties of trust — we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability, weave a safety net that will protect us all, and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good. (Taken from www.un.org)
A few weeks ago I messaged a whole bunch of friends, colleagues and students asking them how they would complete the sentence,
"Friendship is ..."
(I was inundated with responses - here are some of them)
"Friendship is ..."
(I was inundated with responses - here are some of them)
"... when you understand someone and feel that they understand you too." (Ali)
"... someone who knows who you are, understands where you've been, accepts who you've become, and still gently invites you to grow." (Kirsten)
"... memories that last even if the contact is lost." (Souad)
"... like an ice-cream in summer; happy and enjoyable with a soothing effect." (Pattamanan)
"... like a group of penguins shielding each other from harm and cold and spreading warmth when most needed." (Pesila)
"... mutual respect and love." (Amira)
"... when people listen to all the nonsense you talk all day long and still like you." (Arshad)"... a beautiful gift." (Trudy)
"... checking in on one another even though you haven't spoken to them for a zillion years, and when you can still start up the conversations where you left off." (Sonali)
"... being honest, always being there and never judging." (Lynne)
"... to be able to talk without fear of judgement." (Simon)
"... when someone knows all about you and still loves you." (Chris)
"... loyalty." (Jose)
"... priceless." (Hazem)
"... love, acceptance and emotional support." (Keegan)
"... JOY - there's nothing like sharing something (an adventure, a movie, a chat) with a friend. Things taste differently when experienced alone I think." (Manuela)
"... love, acceptance and emotional support." (Keegan)
"... JOY - there's nothing like sharing something (an adventure, a movie, a chat) with a friend. Things taste differently when experienced alone I think." (Manuela)
"... hopeful; see's the real you and accepts who you are; makes memories; gives a sense of worth; is there for you in the highs and the lows; tells you the truth; picks you up; has your back; checks in on you from time to time; wants the best for you and celebrates with you through life's special moments... Friendship is more than things, it is more than words can describe, and sometimes, it just happens!" (James)
"... accepting people as they are with no judgement." (Jane)
"... having someone to turn to in a crisis or just go out for a meal and a chitchat. Having someone to laugh and cry with. Being loved for who you are." (Angela)
"... doing life together through the ups and the downs, good and bad. Being there for and with each other." (Roger)
"... love from 'family' that you actually get to choose for yourself." (Jerminah)
"... when people know all about you and like you anyway!" (Pauline)
"... knowing you are cared for and valued in return." (Frank)
"... unconditional sacrifice." (Michel)
"... looking out for one another." (John)
"... being there for one another and knowing that you are cared for and valued in return." (Frank)
"... the one who will fight for you, love you, encourage you and always pray for your happiness." (Elawarasi)
"... a valuable gift. It's to share your best days and blue days, a smile and a hug, to listen and to laugh, it is respecting beliefs and thoughts and loving your friend no matter what." (Lina)
"... a valuable gift. It's to share your best days and blue days, a smile and a hug, to listen and to laugh, it is respecting beliefs and thoughts and loving your friend no matter what." (Lina)
"... a bond of two souls from heaven." (Basim)
"... loving each other for who you are." (Ahmed)
"... an expression of love." (Haris)
"... always being honest." (Heather)
"... being able to continue a deep, meaningful conversation or carry on that funny story with plenty of laughs, even if you haven't seen each other for weeks." (Mark)
"... so weird. You pick a random human you have never met and you are like, 'This one. I want to go on adventures with this one!'"
(Awad)
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