The person who tries to live alone will not succeed as a human being. Their heart withers if it does not answer another heart, their mind shrinks away if they hear only the echoes of their own thoughts and find no other inspiration.

I can tell you wholeheartedly, I truly believe friendship is one of the most genuine and compassionate relationships in which we are capable of having. Even in romance, friendship should be at the foundation of any loving relationship. The relationships we have with people are a direct reflection of our inner state of life. To extend and deepen our human relationships is to expand our state of life. When we have a deep sense that no matter how difficult our present circumstances have become; we are not alone, no matter how painful our emotions are; we can connect that pain with another, no matter how deep our wounds run; we have encouragement and we will, without fail, rise up to the challenge of living again.

To be understood and appreciated for oneself is a vital experience in life, when friendships are real, they do not break easily, or die with distance. A good friendship comes about by being with people who connect with you at level and truly appreciate and accept the person you really are, and in turn you do the same. I have always believed you should treat friends as if they were what they ought to be, by doing this you help them become all that they are capable of being. Always be the friend you would want to have in your life, it starts and ends with you.