Bonita’s Blog: Friendship: Who Will Ride With You?

Bonita’s Blog

Friendship: Who Will

Ride With You?

by Bonita Bennett

There can never be enough said about the value of true friendship and the role it plays in the life of a single person. Many are those who openly admit to not having any real friends, and feeling deprived. There are also those who believe they have friends and don’t, while others believe they possess the qualities of a friend and don’t have a clue.

In life, we learn that friends come in a variety of “packages” and friendship entails so many facets that are hard to define, but are easily recognizable upon discovery. However, if your blinders are on, you’ll miss the evidence of true friendship because of low expectations.

In today’s world, private agendas often dominate our existence as we run back and forth in pursuit of personal fulfillment. Therefore, many of us don’t take time to pursue friendships or learn how to be true friends, especially when our “love connection” becomes our all and all.

Too often, the term “friend” is used loosely to describe acquaintances or associates as opposed to real relationships or bonds of commitment. In a genuine relationship, your friend cares about you and what’s going on in your life and it’s evident to you and those around you.

There’s the “social buddy” who might be quite willing to join you on your various escapades. Yet, there are certain sides to you that you don’t share. This friendship usually has unspoken limits or boundaries due to a difference in perspective, values, and interests. This person will seldom know your secrets, because you’re not certain they could handle the sounds of your heart.

However, with a real friend, you have similar values. You are totally uninhibited with him/her. You utter your flaws and fears without restraint. You trust this person with your weaknesses. You have no fear of vulnerability or judgment, for they are for you and you know it. In this relationship, there are no limits. You can share yourself and be yourself.

Those who have real friends know that being a real friend begins with reaching out unselfishly to be what you would have others be to you. Friends are the true gems here on earth and a great necessity to one’s well-being. I personally consider my friends to be my wealth, and the great writer, Emily Dickinson referred to them as her estate. Truth, honesty, and love are the main components of real friendship. It separates the friend from the acquaintance.

As I look out, I see life as a journey and our lives are like a long bus ride. There are those who will get on our bus and ride for a while, get off, and never be seen again. Then there are those who will get on, ride for a while, get off, and get back on again. And lastly, there are those who will get on and ride to the end of the journey. May you be blessed with someone who will always be on the bus with you until the end of the ride.

Bonita Bennett, founder, publisher  Of Being Single Magazine, and a former TV/radio personality, is the author of the books “How To Catch & Keep The Man Of Your Dreams,”  and The Coming Of Dawn.  She is also a nationally recognized life coach/relationship expert and noted motivational speaker, whose life-changing counseling techniques, classes, and innovative workshops on life-skills, inter-personal relationships, conflict management, and problem-solving are well-known in her field.  Bonita Bennett is also the editor-in-chief of Being Single Magazine.   Be sure to get your copy of her two books…Meanwhile, read the excerpts from the mystery novel…The Coming Of Dawn and How To Catch & Keep The Man Of Your Dreams