We encounter hundreds, if not thousands, of fellow humans in the course of our lives but relatively few become friends. During childhood, when we have limited mobility, friends are generally neighbors or school mates. Later, as a driver's license, employment and advanced education broaden our horizons, we may have friends from across the city, from other regions of the country or from other countries across the globe.
Yet, in all cases, friends tend to be individuals who share our interests, our favored pastimes and our general philosophy of life. If the friendship does not develop naturally and if we need to work at its survival, it will fade over time. Of course, today's mobile lifestyle works against long term friendships, which, if sustained, often exist primarily on social media and are reinforced by occasional gatherings.
Nevertheless, friends remain an important part of our lives and, in my opinion, are vital to our overall health. Unrestrained by the deep-seated, emotional ties of family, they offer companionship, straight-forward feedback and a source of comradery as we face life's challenges.
See also: Friends & Family and Friendships & Technology
