Why is friendship important to you?

[Dannisocool]

Why is friendship important? Do you need friends in life?

[AmandaYVR]

I understand that many people (or maybe all people, at one time or another) have been burned, betrayed, hurt, and had horrible things done to them by a friend. And that is a very valid reason to not trust people without a lot of caution and careful consideration (which often involves small steps forward, but over time. Time + consistency = trust.)

While we must all adapt to our circumstances, and no one can simply conjure up good people in their life, out of thin air, it does also take some effort, and/or a dash of faith (and some people think, fate), and once in a while, circumstances can change, and sometimes before you know it, you've both developed this great bond, and friendship.

I think we all have to try to find the balance between not sharing anything of ourselves, and oversharing, or having too high expectations, or trusting too quickly. You can't have good friendships unless you do put in a bit of effort and time. But at the same time, you have to practice patience, and giving the benefit of the doubt, more often than people do. This whole impulsive blocking thing has got to stop (though, sadly, I know it won't.) It's really destructive. It's hard enough to find people. And then people go and throw it away too easily, often over one heated exchange, or a miscommunication or misinterpretation.

Why is it important to me? Probably the same as for everyone - because it feels good to be supported. It feels nice to have someone know your flaws and inadequacies, and who tries to, or does, love you anyway. It's reassuring to feel that you can make mistakes, say the wrong thing or a poorly worded thing sometimes, and they won't run out on you. And you do the same for them. Not everyone grew up with an idyllic family. In fact, most people didn't. But we can all make our own new families, if we work at it. Maybe you are the one connector. But one person can be enough, to build something greater, larger, as a whole. Although for me, I'm suited to one-on-one. I've never had a group situation that went well, so I don't like them. I spend my time with one person at a time, and get to know them on a deep level (which varies per person, obviously; not all at the same level), and the things that are shared will not be shared anywhere else. That level of intimacy, and trust, is incredibly rewarding, fulfilling, and powerful, in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

That's the thing, it's not.
People come and go, as as it's written on the Bible you can't really trust anyone.

So why bother, right?
Unless it's inevitable, I wouldn't really bother myself about making friends.

[Opinion Owner]

*and as

[OlderThanILook]

Friendship is important because people NEED validation and community. I don't believe for a second when people say they are happy by themselves. Sure, you might not literally want to kill yourself because your bodily needs are being met, but you're not happy, and that unhappiness will ultimately shorten your lifespan. Aside from that, I think friendship just opens up better opportunities for you. I made the mistake of not getting close to people earlier. I will likely never find a date at this age because I don't know any women well enough for them to set me up with their friends, let alone want to date me. I also would not have a well paying job without a recommendation from a college friend.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Friends are important to me cause I need someone to talk to, spend time with, talk to when the chips got me down, talk to someone when I'm lonely, do I need friends yes I do need friends, when I have friends I treasure each and one of them in my life.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Thanks for MHO :)

[JBlade]

Friendship is is unimportant to me and is not something I value much. For me it’s not enough and I would rather be alone than have only friendship with someone.

[Mynameisbobby]

I don't make friends easily because I don't trust people. I have 2 good friends and that's all I need. If you find even one good friend you're doing good.

[Ms_Facesitter]

I like having someone to count on.

[Blackcupcake]

nahhh who needs friends

[FckY0u998]

nope and it's not

[Dannisocool]

I agree, way too much pressure to make friends. But why? Most would say people to depend on but "friends" can decieve you.

[FckY0u998]

anybody can deceive anybody at any time that's why it's better to be alone then be hurt by anyone