People generally mistake acquaintanceship for friendship. A friend is one on whom you can rely in a crisis. You cannot do so on an acquaintance. A friend is always ready to lend a hand - without expecting any return. With acquaintances, however, the ‘give and take’ is more a business deal – “If I do this for you, what will you do for me”?
Some people believe that relatives are more important than friends. Relatives are good – but only when they behave like friends. Every one needs friends. One could do without relatives. Culture plays an important role in all friendships. Friendships last long only when there is a cultural compatibility.
Small differences in culture can perhaps be accommodated, but large differences are hardly ever accepted by either party. This is the reason why friendships are rarely accidental – they have to be painstakingly cultivated and promoted.
You have to be constantly on the look out for persons with cultural compatibility - and when you find one, do not let him go. Cultivate him carefully with a view to developing a lasting friendship. It is not easy to find culturally compatible friends, but when you do - stick to him like a leech.
Generally, it is a good policy to be slow in choosing a friend – and even slower in changing one. Generally, it is also a good policy to have a small circle of close friends but a large group of acquaintances. We share freely our sorrows and joys only with the close friends’ circle. Remember, “A shared joy is double joy and a shared sorrow is half sorrow” The next thought is also about “There is a difference between friends and acquaintances (Continued)”
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