For me, it starts with people that we have something in common with and therefore feel comfortable together. Comfortable to just be yourself and to laugh together, and that don’t ‘judge’ others for their actions and mistakes. Someone, in bad times, who doesn’t tell others what they want to hear, but what they need to hear!
In 2020 (during COVID), I had a serious illness, and if ever there was a time when I leant on my friendships it was then. I felt the presence of my friends (and of course family) so strongly, with their offers of help, daily check-ins and practical help. It’s not easy for any friend to see a friend go through a difficult time, those great friends stepped up and supported me and I appreciated every single thought and action they took.
Friendship is displayed every day in ways that we take for granted. A ‘quick’ coffee, a message, a note, a call, finding things in common. What about those friends who we don’t see often? The true sign of the strength of that friendship is ‘picking up where you left off’. The distance doesn’t matter because the strong bonds keep the friendship together.
So how might you celebrate International Day of Friendship today!? Send an old photo of the two of you, send a quick message to say “hi, how are you?”, book in a catch up, phone and say “hello”. Pick the friend you haven’t spoken to for the longest time and make contact today.