• What does friendship mean to you ?

Being present in good times and bad. Being yourself and accepting others as they are. Providing advice and a different view of life situations. Evolving together and being present in all phases of life. In my view of friendship, it's better to have few friends you can count on.

 

•  Has it always meant the same throughout your life ?

No because I think that when we are young, our vision of friendship is lighter than when we become older. This also comes from the fact that when we are young, we are more protected in the face of life's difficulties.

 

• How old are you now ?

29 

 

• Could you break down the evolution of your idea of friendship throughout different periods of your life ?

a) middle school / high school

b) university

c) first years of working life

d) the most recent stage of your life

 

Middle school + high school: friendship essentially based on the time spent together, being around each other outside of school, outings, activities etc... University: slightly deeper friendship. Friendships break up more easily due to studies and seeing certain people less. For the last two stages, in my opinion, my vision of friendship remains the same. I even think that we no longer make friends. We have a circle and we maintain it. We know who we can count on and we have friends we love.

 

• Do you value more romantic relationships than friendships ? Or if you cannot answer this in a straightforward way, could you explain how these two play a role in your life ? Basically here you can write your thoughts on both. 

For my part, I favor friendships more than romantic relationships. Friends are there all the time (in the case of great friendships), but partners may no longer be there. In my sense of friendship, friends will always be there. I can't explain it any further. It's true that romantic relationships also involve a kind of friendship with one's partner, but in my opinion not as deep.

 

• What is the definition of a good friend to you ?

Someone you can count on in good times and bad. Someone you don't need to talk to every day, but can count on, and vice versa. I don't think it's necessary to know each other's deepest secrets to consider ourselves friends. Accepting how the other person is is essential for a good friendship.

 

• Would you say that you are a good friend ?

Good question. I think I am. At least, I'm trying.

 

• Has it always been the case ?

I think

 

• If not, what made you change ?

.

 

• Would you say that the way you first saw friendship (its role, its purpose, i.e, what it meant) was influenced by how your parents - or your primary caregiver- interacted with their friends ? (Please do take a moment to think about it)

Clearly. I've always seen my mother interacting with her friends (scattered all over the world), checking up on them, traveling to visit them, inviting them etc.... Friendships need to be nurtured, and this has served as an example for me. I think, however, that there are people with whom we have little interaction but whom we consider friends because when we know we can count on them (and vice versa), and when we reconnect, it's as if we've always been together.

 

• How do you feel when you are with your close friends ? 

Happy and fulfilled. Great moments of joy and sharing

 

• Does it match the definition of friendship you mentioned in the first question ?

Totally

 

• What are your thoughts on the notion of ‘efforts’ put in relationships in general ? And in friendship in particular ?

I wouldn't say "too much effort", but everyday life complicates interactions and the time you can give your friends. I don't think there are situations that require "a lot of effort", but adjustments, especially when friends spend a lot of time together all the time.

 

• Here you can add any thoughts that you would like to share about this theme.

It's funny how people can come together with different visions of friendship. But I think they must have a common vision, otherwise it wouldn't work, would it?

 

When you were answering these questions, I bet you had specific people in mind. So please as soon as you are done answering these, tell your friends that you love them :) 

<3