About Friendships

During the festive season, I observed a card that was sent by post every year to my house, where I have lived for over six years. The address on the envelope was handwritten, it also had no forwarding address. It was addressed to the previous occupant who resided here before me. I would have gladly returned the card to the sender, but unfortunately, the sender never included a return address behind the envelope. Five years have passed and I was still receiving annual Christmas cards from the same person, judging by the writing. This made me wonder about friendships. It had taken this sender five years to realise his friend no longer reside in this property. I questioned how a relationship could survive without communication. I wondered what type of relationship they had together. Whatever was the nature of their relationship, it was apparent that both parties have not been in communication for a few years.

Some things bring us together however, whatever can bring us together could also set us apart. For example, football can bring us together yet one team will win and another will lose to create the divide. In the event that some football fans cannot accept a loss, it could spiral out of control; hooliganism can turn into a horrible feast of violence and destruction of properties. When the actual reason for the game was to have a good time together and celebrate with the winners.

The incredible beauty about humanity can be appreciated by how we empathise with victims in times of disaster, whether natural or human-engineered, it brings us together. In this situation, people rush out to seek help, with a determination to rescue those in danger. In such a period of crisis, people of different ethnic groups, cultures, religion, races, languages, ages, and socioeconomic levels feel a sense of connection. In the resolve to help, some firefighters, divers, policemen have lost their lives in the process of rescuing those in danger. This act of care for the living is also extended to rescuing animals in critical situations as well.

As our society is evolving very fast the change impacts on the way we relate with each other in today's world. However, our expressions of compassion in times of crisis show that we are human. It is also a relief to know that our respect for human life has not changed and this will keep fostering the need to appreciate one another as well as to feel safe around people, family or friends.

Relationships are vital to our growth; it is an aspect that helps us connect with others. It does not come as a surprise that I wondered how someone could send Christmas cards every year for five years without realising the recipient did not see his card. What happened to a good old fashion phone call? Showing care and support holds an active part in sustaining relationships because it communicates a million times more than words. I believe friendship is a great blessing; it has to be mutually valued and enjoyed to be long-lasting. This is the season for goodwill, blessings, perhaps time for annual friends, also a time to make more friends. Enjoy.

“A friend may be waiting behind a stranger's face.”

― Maya Angelou