Friendship: The Rare and Real

Hey, Jack here again!

When people talk about “friends,” they might mean a thousand different things. Today, I want to share what friendship means to me—and maybe even suggest what side dish goes best with it! 😊

If you don’t feel like you could “eat” your friend (metaphorically speaking, of course), they’re probably not a friend. I’m kidding—but there’s truth to this. The first quality of true friendship is love. And here’s the thing: that love isn’t instant. It’s the final chapter, the deepest level.

So, let’s start from the beginning.

Friendship starts early, when we’re first set free from the safe reach of our parents. Think of kindergarten: our parents aren’t there to watch over us, and suddenly, we’re in a new world, learning to find our way. How do we adapt? We make friends. It’s instinctual, like stray dogs huddling together for safety, warmth, and a bite to eat. As harsh as it sounds, friendship often begins as a way to feel secure and to survive.

But as humans, we’re searching for more than just shelter and a few shared snacks. We crave emotional connection—someone to share in our happiness, to sit with us in sadness, and to just be. So, does hanging out, laughing, and listening make a friendship? Not quite.

True friendship, to me, is all about sacrifice. It’s about what you’re willing to give up for a friend and what they’re willing to give up for you. There can be such a strong friendship that friends might even be willing to give their lives for each other. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying that if you’re not prepared to put your life on the line for someone, it means you have no friends. Friendship is about finding someone who values you enough to offer something meaningful, whatever that may be.

And no, this depth of friendship doesn’t appear out of thin air. It begins with the little things, like sharing that last slice of pizza. Friendship builds gradually, like a garden nurtured with each act of trust, sacrifice, and shared moment. First, you give something valuable; then, they return the same. Over time, these small gestures form a bond so strong that one day, you realize this person means the world to you—and you’d go to great lengths, even risking everything, to protect them. And there are countless stories of friends who’ve done just that. It’s the final chapter of love I was talking earlier, the deepest level.

Of course, friendships like this are rare. Most people won’t match what you’re willing to give; they may let you down when you need them most. That’s why some people say you should put yourself first, to avoid the pain that comes with disappointment. Because in 99 out of 100 cases, people won’t be willing to give back as much as you do. And maybe they’re right.

But to me, that 1 out of 100—the true friend—is worth all the losses and heartache. When you find the one friend who will walk beside you through every storm and sunshine, that bond is pure happiness.

So, if you have a true friend, hold them close and treasure them. And if you’re still searching, be willing to endure countless disappointments to find the one person who will stand by you, no matter what.

With all my dreams, thoughts, and a little bit of magic, Jack

P.S. A heartfelt shoutout to my friends who stick with me through everything. You’re one of the reasons to live this life.