friendship

C.S Lewis got it right: friendship is born when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one!"

Getting over Friends
Good people have friends. I have friends. Ergo, I am a good person. Simple. And wildly untrue. Step aside from the Good/Bad debate for a moment and we can acknowledge that unlikable and cruel people have friends. Irritating, but true. And we can flip that, in some cases, kind and unique people may not have walked a path that has given them the chance to meet possible friends. I don't think either of these statements really apply to me, or at least I hope they don't, but I can't pretend it doesn't throw me a bit. It would be nice to believe that something as precious as a friend would only be given to someone worthy, but that's never really been true has it?
By Kirstyn Brook2 years ago in Humans
Expectations
Expectations are a natural part of life. We expect certain outcomes from our relationships, jobs, and even ourselves. It’s easy to think that if we work hard, be kind, or follow the rules, we will get what we desire. However, expectations can often lead to disappointment, frustration, and even destruction. This happens because life doesn’t always play out the way we think it should. When our hopes aren't met, we feel let down, and this emotional pain can start to harm our mental well-being.
By Mamoona Bushra2 years ago in Humans
What Self Respect Means: The Beauty of Love with Boundaries
Knowing what self respect means when it comes to love, relationships, and personal growth can make all the difference in the world. Self-respect means recognizing your worth, setting good personal boundaries, and having faith in your self-worth. It’s what not only keeps your self-esteem high but also makes room for deep relationships with other people.
By Relationship Guide2 years ago in Humans
Calamansi: The Unexpected Companion. AI-Generated.
In a bustling, concrete street of a small town nestled between rolling hills, there lived a middle-aged woman named Meymey. She had weathered the storms of life with quiet resilience. Her face, though marked by the passage of time, held a warmth that reflected her gentle nature. The town she called home was vibrant, full of life, with wide streets lined with shops, carts, and vendors. It was a tropical town, where the air was always humid, and the scent of flowers and spices mingled with the warm breeze from the mountains. Meymey’s tiny shop sat along one of the busy streets, a place that pulsed with energy. The shop wasn’t just where she worked—it was her home. At the back of the building, she had a small, cozy living space where she slept and ate, the sounds of the busy market outside blending into her daily rhythm. The shop was filled with odds and ends, from factory-made goods to vibrant local spices brought in by traders from the nearby islands. It was her livelihood, and she took pride in it, though it was humble. The shop was owned by a wealthy landlord who controlled many of the town's properties. Though his wealth allowed him certain privileges, he wasn’t unkind. Over the years, Meymey had managed to negotiate fair terms with him. They were not close, but he respected her dedication and paid little mind to the rent as long as she made her payments on time. One bright tropical morning, as the sky bloomed in shades of pink and orange, Meymey unlocked the heavy iron door of her shop. Ready to greet her customer, as she turned facing a counter, the familiar scent of spices and dried goods welcoming her as she prepared for another day of business. But that morning, she was greeted by an unsettling sight—scurrying shadows darting across the floor, and faint squeaks that echoed from the corners of the shop. Rats. They had invaded overnight, drawn by the warmth of the place and the promise of food. Meymey's heart sank. She had always taken great care to keep her shop clean and well-maintained, but the rats had found a way in, and if word got out, it could spell disaster. In a town like this, where word spread quickly, a rat problem could drive away customers. But Meymey was not one to give in to panic. She straightened her back, and headed out into the market square, determined to find a solution. The market was alive with activity, as it always was in the early morning. Vendors called out to passersby, offering tropical fruits, fresh fish, and handmade crafts. The air was thick with the scent of sizzling street food, and the sounds of haggling filled the air. As she wove through the stalls, her eyes scanned for something—anything—that might help her solve her problem. And then she saw it. A small, scruffy kitten sat by the edge of a vendor’s stall. Its fur, a mottled mix of yellow and white, was dirty, but its bright eyes shone with curiosity. The vendor, an old man with a kind smile, noticed Meymey's gaze and chuckled. "Stray," he explained, "abandoned by its mother. Take her for two dollars." Meymey hesitated. She hadn’t come looking for a pet, but something about the kitten tugged at her heart. The small creature seemed fragile, yet full of life, and in a way, it mirrored her own resilience. With a quiet nod, she handed over the coins and scooped the kitten into her arms. She named the kitten Calamansi, after the citrus tree she had grown in her back yard by the back door of her shop. The tree was young but had withstood storms, and heavy rain, just as she had weathered life’s challenges. Days turned into weeks, and Calamansi proved to be more than just a solution to the rat problem. The rats, sensing the presence of a predator, quickly vanished, and Meymey’s shop returned to its normal rhythm. But Calamansi brought something else into Meymey's life—companionship. Each day, Calamansi would perch on the counter, her bright eyes watching the world go by. Customers would stop to admire her, and children from the neighborhood would peek through the door just to catch a glimpse of the playful kitten. Meymey, who had lived alone for so long, found comfort in Calamansi’s presence. She would talk to the kitten in the quiet moments between customers, and in the evenings, they would sit together by the small stove in the back of the shop, the sound of sizzling pans mixing with the kitten’s soft purring. The weather, as always, was warm and humid. The tropical rains would come and go, cooling the air for a brief moment before the heat returned. As time passed, Meymey realized that Calamansi had woven herself into the fabric of her life. The kitten had grown into a graceful young cat, her fur sleek and clean. Where once there had been only solitude, there was now warmth, laughter, and the soft padding of paws on the floor. But life was not without its challenges. One afternoon, as Meymey was closing the shop, the landlord arrived. He was not there to raise the rent, but to ask about her well-being. He had heard from a neighbor that she had faced a rat problem and wanted to make sure all was well. It was a small gesture, but one that reminded Meymey that not everyone in life sought to take advantage of others. The landlord was not the villain she had once feared, but simply a man doing business. Meymey smiled and thanked him for his concern, assuring him that the problem had been solved—thanks to Calamansi. The landlord chuckled, nodding approvingly before heading on his way. As the months passed, Meymey and Calamansi settled into a comfortable routine. The bond between them grew stronger, and the once-lonely shop was now filled with life. Calamansi had become more than just a solution to a problem—she had become a friend, a companion, and a part of Meymey's home. And so, in the quiet yet bustling corner of the tropical town, amidst the tapestry of everyday life and the challenges it brought, Meymey and Calamansi lived together. They were two souls, navigating the world side by side, finding solace in each other’s company. It was in the most unexpected of ways that Meymey had learned that sometimes, the best solutions to life’s challenges come in the form of love and companionship—even if they come in the smallest, scruffiest packages.
By Ange2 years ago in Humans
Selling Quick Job
Fresh out of school, I hadn’t gotten a scholarship and my parents couldn’t afford to put me through college, but I knew I wanted to travel. I looked for jobs that included travel, but there wasn’t much out there for high school graduates with no particular job skill.
By Veronica Coldiron2 years ago in Humans
Queer Platonic Partnership: A New Love Story You Need to Know
There are many kinds of love, and it’s time to look past the usual definitions of marriage. Within the wide range of LGBTQ+ relationships, there is a unique bond that is becoming more and more well-known: the queer platonic partnership. This relationship doesn’t follow the normal rules of romance or sensual attraction. Instead, it’s based on deep emotional intimacy, support, and friendship.
By Relationship Guide2 years ago in Humans
The Tale of Friendship by the River
In a peaceful village nestled between rolling hills and lush green fields, there lived four inseparable friends: Aman, Ravi, Kunal, and Deepak. These boys had been friends since childhood, their bond formed through years of shared adventures, laughter, and occasional mischief. The village, though small, was their entire world, and the most beloved place of all was the riverbank. Every day after school, the boys would head to the river. This river, which meandered through their village, was the lifeblood of the community. The elders used its waters for farming, the women washed clothes by its edge, and the children, like Aman and his friends, would bathe in its cool waters before settling on the grassy banks to relax. One hot summer afternoon, after a refreshing dip in the river, the boys settled under their favourite banyan tree. They were laughing and talking about the usual things—schoolwork, village cricket, and the latest tricks played on their neighbours—when something strange happened. As they looked towards the river, a sudden splash caught their attention. At first, they thought it was just a fish leaping, but this splash was different. It was bigger, more deliberate, as if trying to get their attention. “What was that?” asked Kunal, sitting up straight. “Probably just a big fish,” Ravi shrugged, but his eyes stayed on the water. Then, to everyone’s surprise, a fish emerged from the river, but not just any fish. It was larger than any they had seen before, and its scales shimmered in a strange, glowing silver, almost as if it had caught the sunlight and held onto it. But what was even more unusual were its eyes. They weren’t the cold, blank eyes of a typical fish; instead, they looked warm and expressive, filled with curiosity and intelligence. The fish swam closer to the edge of the river, as if it wanted to approach them. The boys, usually bold and fearless, found themselves both intrigued and hesitant. Deepak, the most cautious of the group, whispered, “Do you think we should go closer?” But Aman, always the most adventurous, stepped forward. “Come on, it’s just a fish. A very strange fish, but still a fish.” He knelt down by the water’s edge, motioning for the others to follow. The fish, to their amazement, didn’t swim away. Instead, it floated there, watching them intently, almost as if it was waiting for something. For a moment, no one spoke. Then, Kunal laughed nervously. “What if it’s trying to talk to us?” “That’s ridiculous,” Ravi chuckled, but before they could joke any further, the fish did something none of them expected. It began to splash its fins rhythmically, creating a pattern in the water. The boys leaned closer, mesmerised by the sight. Days passed, and every afternoon, the boys would come to the riverbank after their baths, and the fish would always be there, waiting for them. They soon realised that the strange fish wasn’t just passing by; it had made the riverbank its home, just like them. Slowly, a unique bond developed between the boys and the fish. They named the fish “Chhaya,” because its shimmering silver scales reminded them of the shadows cast on the river during sunset. Chhaya became a part of their daily routine. The boys would bring small snacks—pieces of bread or fruits—to share with their new friend. Amazingly, Chhaya would take the offerings gently, as if it understood the boys’ gestures of friendship. One evening, after spending time at the riverbank, Aman had an idea. “Do you think we could teach Chhaya tricks? You know, like people train dogs or parrots?” At first, the others laughed at the absurdity of the idea, but curiosity won over. Over the next few days, they tried small tricks—tossing a pebble into the water, and to their astonishment, Chhaya would circle the spot where the stone had dropped. Soon, the fish began to mimic their movements, following their gestures with its glistening fins. The friendship grew stronger with each passing day, and soon, the whole village had heard about the strange friendship between the four boys and the mysterious fish. Some villagers came to see for themselves, and while many were amused, others warned the boys to be careful. "There’s something magical about that fish," the village elder once said. "It’s not just an ordinary creature." But the boys didn’t care. To them, Chhaya was a friend, a companion who had become part of their lives. Then, one afternoon, something strange happened. The river, which had always been calm and welcoming, seemed to change. Dark clouds gathered above, and the water became turbulent. The boys stood by the riverbank, calling for Chhaya, but the fish didn’t appear. Hours passed, and they began to worry. Suddenly, amidst the rising waves, they saw Chhaya struggling, caught in a whirlpool. Without thinking, the boys jumped into action. Working together, they used long sticks and ropes to reach their friend. It was a difficult task, but their determination and love for Chhaya gave them strength. Finally, they managed to pull the fish free from the swirling waters. Exhausted but relieved, the boys sat by the riverbank, watching as Chhaya, safe once more, swam in slow, grateful circles around them. That evening, as the sun set over the horizon, they realised just how deep their bond had become. It wasn’t just a friendship with a fish; it was a connection that transcended words and species, a symbol of trust, loyalty, and love. From that day on, Chhaya continued to visit the riverbank, and the boys, now more grateful than ever, knew they had found a true friend in the most unexpected place.
By Jagadeeswaran Selvaraj2 years ago in Humans
Navigating the Fear of Aging and the Loss of Self
I felt drowned in brightness, sterile sanctuary that this dentist's office was-home to raw fear under the white gleam of tile and the acrid scent of disinfectant. I sat, waiting for the inevitable drill, flipping through a dog-eared magazine without really seeing the pages. A soft buzz came from a TV in the corner-morning show, one of those all-fluff-and-smiles things. I wasn't paying attention until a segment caught my ear-a birthday shoutout to viewers over 95.
By Chahat2 years ago in Humans
Impression is a Powerful Effect to Achieve Goals
Have you ever met someone and instantly formed an opinion about them? Maybe it was their appearance, the way they spoke, or how they carried themselves. This initial judgment is what we call a first impression, and it can have a strong effect on how we interact with others. But the big question is: can impressions really help us achieve our goals?
By Mamoona Bushra2 years ago in Humans
Cheers to the Friendships That Taught Me the Important Things in Life
I’ve had the fortune of crossing paths with so many people in my life and cultivating friendships. I’ve been grateful to meet those that took the time to get to know me and extend their friendship to me even if it was for a brief amount of time.
By Jasmine Aguilar2 years ago in Humans
The Dreamer of Digital Wealth
For years, Ethan had worked tirelessly in jobs that barely paid the bills. No matter how hard he tried, no matter how many hours he put in, the money was never enough. His paycheck would disappear as soon as it arrived, swallowed by rent, bills, and the never-ending cost of living. He had long since given up on the idea of ever owning a house or even going on a real vacation. Financial stability felt like a distant dream, always just out of reach.
By Galip Yüksel2 years ago in Humans
I'm So Tired Of Activists and Causes
America Is Trying To Turn Into A Butterfly When I think of American social progress I envision the progress of metamorphosis. America has been trying to morph into something else... since its creation. And I think of the butterfly specifically when thinking about America because every social progressive step we've ever taken has involved tearing our country apart at the seams so we can remake ourselves.
By Hope Martin2 years ago in Humans