Friends

Friends are people we mix around with and I daresay that we have many types of friends whom we could put into various circles.  E.g. work friends, family friends, close friends, casual friends and bosom pals.

Work friends are those whom we meet daily at work and over time have become friends. Casual friends are more of acquaintances whom we meet from time to time and engage in small talk with.  Family friends are friends of the family.  They could be your parents’ friends or friends who have become close to your family and are highly regarded.

Close friends are those with whom you have a very good relationship and you trust and support one another.  Close friends are often friends who go back a long way, e.g. since school days. They may not be many and often can be counted on one hand only. If you’re very lucky, then two hands. As Shakespeare said of good friends in his play "Hamlet", we should should grapple them to our souls with hooks of steel.

Bosom friends are very close friends whom you share confidences with and whom you know will never disclose your secrets.  They are the tried and tested pals who also go back a long way although not necessarily so. The main thing is that you trust your bosom pal and you would stick by each other through thick and thin. Usually your bosom friend is only one or at most two.

Your bosom friend can also be your sibling.

As we grow older we realize how important our friends are, especially close friends. They make the difference to an otherwise lonely existence.  However, know that friendships are like flowers in a garden which need to be nurtured in order to grow.

May your friendships be a lovely garden full of flowers.

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Words of Power

The other day I received an email that contained a list of ten words that were described as “powerful” and the advice that came along with it.  I would like to share them with you.

Each word contains letters in ascending order, the first with only one and the last with ten.  Out of the ten words, six are considered to be of value to us while the rest are best avoided.

 We are aware that words have the power to either build or destroy.  Words once uttered cannot be taken back and hurtful words damage and destroy.  No amount of apologies will ever repair the damage.

On the other hand, encouraging words that build can make a difference to someone’s life.

The first word is “I” and the email indicated that this word is the most selfish and should be avoided.  It rings true as how many people like to listen to someone whose sentences always begin with “I” ?

The second word, “we” is considered most satisfying as it connotes many things, not least the idea of togetherness, being a team, etc. 

The third word is “ego”, which is considered to be “poisonous”.  We are a advised to overcome it.  Ego has led one too many to one’s downfall. 

The fourth is “love” which Is considered to be most used and should be valued.  This needs no elaboration for love works wonders.

The fifth is “smile” which is said to be most pleasing and we should keep it.  Smiles are very becoming and often lead to friendships.  Smiles light up a person’s face and make a great difference.

The sixth word is “rumour” , said to be the fastest spreading 6 letter word and we are told to ignore it.  How many times has a rumour spread so swiftly that it has caused harm even though it is later proven to be unfounded?

The seventh word is “Success”, the hardest working seven letter word.  We are advised to achieve it.  Success is only achieved by dint of hard work and there is no short cut to it.

The eighth word is “jealousy”, and we are told to distance ourselves from it.  It is also referred to as the green-eyed monster that consumes one’s well-being and many a relationship is destroyed by this monster.

The ninth word is “Knowledge”, the most powerful 9-letter word and we should acquire it.  No one can take the knowledge you have acquired, away from you and it is well-known that “Knowledge is Power”.

The tenth word si “friendship”, the most valued 10-letter word.  We are told to maintain it.  Friends, especially your close friends stand by you and support you in times of need.  They are an invaluable network so maintain friendships and nurture them.

So what is your view?  Do you agree that these are the most powerful words and would you accept the advice that came along with them?

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