The Meaning of Friends

Today's Topic: Good Friends

There are few things in this world that make you happier then good friends. A good conversation, a good laugh and just a general get together filled with good times...it's what makes the world go round. Friends help you when you're down and pat your back when you succeed. When you are in a time of need and you lean on people for support, that's when you really find out who your friends are.

People walk into and out of your life all the time. Some friends stay awhile, others check out early. Some friends you grab coffee with, some friends you grab a beer with. You might stay up late, watch you tube and laugh your ass off or you might just watch a movie at home, enjoying the other person's company. It's amazing what we will do for others and what others will do for us. You're no where without friends. Period.

I can honestly say that I finally understand what it means to have good friends, and surrounding yourself with good people. This past weekend, one of my best friends flew home for his birthday. It's one of those friendships that even though you are both doing your own separate thing in your own separate life, seeing them once reconnects you and the past you shared, followed by laughter and a cold beer. There really is no greater feeling then seeing a familiar face that you have missed. I also was fortunate enough to see some University friends this weekend for a friends going away party. It was her event that brought us together; a rare occurrence for so many friends from school to have nothing planned but this party. It was a chance to reconnect and catch up and I was talking to people I hadn't seen since June 2009, when we stepped across the stage at graduation. Within minutes of seeing them, it was like we never left, and it brought me back to a simpler time when life seemed so care free. I realized that its true what they say; your college and university days are some of the best years of your life. You're with a group of people who all have the same goal: trying to better themselves. And you all share the same passion. For us, it was media studies. It was journalism that brought us together. Without trying to age myself or sound like a broken record, you look back at memories in your rear view mirror and you smile or reminisce of days gone by. To each of us, we opened up our lives for four years, partied, and shared unforgettable moments. And for each of us, we all look back and say, "Wasn't that just awesome?" The pictures tell the stories.

That is what life is all about. Surrounding yourself with great people that you can communicate with is the reason we are all here. Deciphering meanings and messages is something we do together. Opinions and voices are something we begin to understand. Yes, we have our favourites and it's finding the people who are saying the same thing you are that creates bonds and solidifies friendships. Friendship is the greatest gift to have and give. Never turn your back on it.