What Does Being a ‘True Friend’ Mean?

Life is a long journey. In this journey, we need some well-wishers who can help and guide us when we face any trouble. And that’s why everyone needs a good friend. Further, friendship is not an ordinary bond. It is a high level of consciousness, a phase of the beautification of the heart, and also a level of righteousness. Therefore, in our Vedas and scriptures, a lot has been said about this beautiful bond.

Who can forget the timeless friendship between Draupadi and Lord Krishna, Karna and Duryodhan, Lord Krishna and Arjun, Mata Sita and Trijata, and of course, Lord Krishna and Sudama? Their stories are full of emotional depth and teachings.

Moreover, in order to enjoy the bond of friendship truly, you must have some ‘good friends. Understand that the word ‘good’ here indicates good qualities.

Parents want their children to make ‘good’ friends because they know that if their children surround themselves with good quality friends, naturally they’ll develop wise habits.

But what exactly makes a good quality friend or what does ‘true friend’ mean?

A good quality friend is-

Humble

In order to help and guide His friends, Lord Krishna forgot that He is God. No matter at which position a person is in when it comes to friends, that person should be humble, kind, and forgiving.

A good friend doesn’t show off his wealth and never takes others for granted. His relationship with friends is pure and non-judgmental.

Trustworthy

The wise friend is supportive and genuine. He is steady as a rock under any circumstance. During hardships, he is present and ready to help his friend. Due to their trustworthiness, good friends are honest, dependable, and reliable. They don’t stab you in your back.

Also, a good friend will always be straightforward. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear, misleads you from your goal, is not a friend at all.

A Guide

True friends are empathic and good listeners. They are compassionate and try to understand one’s feelings or circumstances. They walk beside their friends and help them in taking wise decisions in life.

They inspire others to be positive and optimistic in life. They help their friends realize that they also can achieve great things in life.

Uplifting

A good friend is your most reliable space when you wish respite from the chaos of everyday life or when you wish to pour out your feelings. He/she helps you feel safe and uplifts your mood. Such a friend prays for your health and safety, shares motivational thoughts and lessons as well, and encourages your spiritual growth.

Optimist

No matter how dark or gloomy the horizon looks, a good friend can help you to look at the positive side of life. He inspires you to love life more. Such friends are good for your emotional and mental health as well, guiding you on how to be optimistic, and how to live life to the fullest without getting trapped in any bad habit.

Hence, choose your friends wisely as you choose a house to live in or a profession to pursue. Your friendship should be for life. And if you have loyal and good friends in your life, thank God for this blessing because good friends are truly a gift from God. And most importantly, nurture a strong friendship with God. He is the best among the best of friends.