Companionship can be a precursor to friendship. Companions are people whose company we enjoy. They might share a common interest, make us laugh, share their experiences, or make our life easier in some way. Some relationships stagnate at this companionship level. A few grow into genuine friendships.
“Aristotle drew a distinction between genuine friendship and relationships that were based simply on need or pleasure. Such need or pleasure-based friendships lasted only as long as they were useful or enjoyable--what we might call ‘fair-weather friends.’ For Aristotle, friendship is about bringing out what is best in people...being a mirror in which the other may see himself.” (Alistair McGrath)
Friendship can be challenging. It requires a certain level of self-awareness, honesty, and transparency. Genuine friends provide us with an external perspective that may not always be favorable or pleasant. Friends have to be able to trust each other’s judgment, accept criticism, and respect each other’s opinions. Friends have to be more interested in each other’s growth than in personal gain. While companionship is based on need or pleasure, friendship is about bringing out the best in each other. Companions may boost our self-esteem, but friends can mold us into better human beings.
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