A friend, while defined as simply as someone to whom you are connected through esteem or affection, is a person of great importance. Friends form your support network for rough times, expose you to new people, situations, options, and points of view, not to mention provide the social, intellectual, creative, and other kinds of essential stimulation. The depth of a friendship will vary depending on the pairing of people, the circumstances in which they meet, each of their needs and interests, and the other’s ability to fulfill and understand them, but the ultimate necessity of forming the relationship at all, whether it turns out for the best or worst, is made apparent by the constant quest of human beings for closer and more satisfying friendships. The first Sunday in August was proclaimed National Friendship Day by the United States Congress in 1935, and has been commemorated as such annually.

Humans are intricately social creatures, therefore individuals outside of one’s family structure, known as chums, pals, buddies, acquaintances, mates, just to name a few, are an irreplaceable part of the socialization process. Use National Friendship Day to reach out to yours, whether you do so by setting up a face-to-face meeting, calling, writing, sending cards, flowers, or gifts. There is an endless variety of ways to let your friends know just how much they are appreciated, the most important of which is to be a good friend all year round. That may mean putting up with idiosyncratic behavior, attitudes contrary to your own, and generally exhibiting a lot of patience and encouragement for that person’s individuality. But to take full pleasure in and take advantage of all those aspects is to know the genuine meaning of friendship. After all, it is the differences between people that make them interesting to one another and give them something to learn from. Remember the wise words of C. C. Colton, "True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."

Friends are a very precious gift. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their heart to us. Show your friends how much you care by sending them a card or letter.

August 1st is International Friendship Day -
and that means its time to recognise your friends and the great contribution they make to your life.

Friends come in many shapes, sizes and guises... same-age friends, school friends, older friends, siblings, work colleagues, partners, parents, pets or neighbours. They can be near or far away; we can talk to them daily or only occasionally; some friends we only get to know in cyber-space....