“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” ~ William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright
I think William Shakespeare’s definition of friendship is a good one:
- being known
- being understood
- being accepted
- being encouraged to grow
My life is more honest because of friends who are trustworthy with my heart and my hurts and my hopes.
My dreams are given wings and my disappointments are eased because of friends who stick by me through the good and the bad.
My ability to accept myself increases because of friends who love me for who I really am — and who walk with me as I continue to make the discovery.
My life is all the richer because of friends who tell me “You can be more. You can do more. You can change. You can overcome.”
In Your Words: Who has been a friend to you? Was it by knowing you? Understanding you? Accepting you? Encouraging you to grow? Or all of the above?
**I am a guest over at writer Pat Trainum’s blog today. I hope you drop by!**
Tomorrow night is the Debutantes’ Story Soiree with debut authors Dani Pettrey, Katie Ganshert and Olivia Newport! Join us at Rel’s new website (Relz Reviewz) for a wonderful time of conversation, hundreds of dollars worth of giveaways, and information about a wonderful organization that ministers to orphans.
Comments 24
A friend is all the above. Sometimes I wonder what I’d do without them! Looking forward to your big party. I’ll be there. 🙂
Agreed, Jessica. Don’t know what I’d do without my friends.
So glad you are coming to the party tomorrow night!
🙂
I’m shocked that that quote is from Wm. Shakespeare–thanks. Ususually best friends do all of the above, or come mighty close. Hopefully we do the same in return. And have a totally wonderful time tomorrow night.
Shakespeare is brilliant in ways I never imagined!
Have a been blessed with several amazing friends… to mention a few, Lisa Jordan, Amanda Stevens, Amy Lindberg, YOU… and many more. I love that the truth is valued in our relationships, that I am challenged to grow and that all of the above qualities have been part of our relationships. Thanks for the great post, Beth!
I love how friendship was painted in this quote …
Love you too, Michelle.
My friends are third on my list of needs–faith, family, friendships. My closest friends know my flaws and love me in spite of them. I’m so thankful for the footprints they leave in my life.
Beautiful word picture, LJ — the way our friends “leave footprints” in our lives.
I love friends who “get” me. I love lifelong friends who have the full, whole-life picture of me. I love writing friends who totally understand that writer-roller-coaster side. I love online friends who I’ve never met in person but truly feel I know!
Melissa:
Excellent point: We need all kinds of friends in our lives!
🙂
I love that quote by William Shakespeare. Great definition of a friend. I’ve had friends for seasons, and some friends for a life time. One friend, Jennifer, and I became friends via a blind date I was on. We’ve walked with each other through the peaks and valleys. I have a group of friends from church who have simply accepted and welcomed me into a group of women who have helped, encouraged and served alongside each other. And then, there is my sweet friend, Beth, who speaks truth, encourages and adds depth to my life. You, my friend, know how to speak to those deep places in my heart that need the salve of kindness. Thank you
Now, Jeanne, you are making me smile and tear up at the same time …
And you are the same kind of friend to me.
But a friend you met on a blind date … there’s a story there!
😉
I have some pretty amazing friends, but when I look at William Shakespeare’s definition one friend sticks out above all the others and it’s my husband, David. He knows me better than anyone else in the world and he truly understands who I am from the very core of my being out. I’m humbled that he accepts me and likes me – that he thinks I’m the most amazing person in the world and tells me all the time. He sees where I need to grow and he challenges me to do it with encouragement, brutal honesty and faith in who God created me to be. (Not to mention he’s super cute, too!)
A super-cute husband who is also your best friend?
You are blessed, Gabrielle, blessed — and I think you know it too!
I’ve been talking with and spending time with some really good, supportive friends lately and they’ve definitely been making me feel encouraged. I good friend is invaluable.
Yes, Cindy — a good friend is invaluable.
Since our family has moved around a bit in recent years, we’ve been blessed with many new friends. It’s interesting how technology changes how we meet people, but the basics of who and how I call someone friend has not.
Great insight, Stacy.
Case in point — I felt like we were friends before we ever met face to face!
I’ve been blessed with oodles of wonderful friends. Of all of them, though, my husband tops the list. Gwynly knows me–the good and the bad–and loves me anyway. He believes in me and encourages me. And when I get too serious, he makes me laugh.
🙂
I’m not surprised that Gwynly is your best of friends, Keli.
I love this definition of friendship! I’m blessed to have so many amazing friends who totally know me, accept me, and support me. This was especially true when I was working full time and completing my master’s degree. Wow, did I need their acceptance and support then!
And now, as I’m writing novels, the encouragement of friends (both old and new!) is so appreciated and necessary to keep me going. Thanks for your friendship, Beth. 🙂
And thank you for your friendship, Lindsay.
I am so thankful to hear you had the friends you needed during the challenge of working fulltime and pursuing your Master’s!
I’ve had periods of friendlessness–after a move, for instance–and times of friendfulness. Is that a word? I like the friendly times best, but I must say being without close friends for a time made me appreciate Jesus!
I think you created a new word, Jeanette: “friendfulness.”
I like it.
🙂