Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Mutual friendships are relationships for life

Besides family, people turn to friends for encouragement, support and advice.  People, however, too often take friends for granted or misinterpret the meaning of friendship.

Friendship is mutual. It is not a relationship where one continuously takes from the other.  For instance, when one is talking to a friend it is not simply a monologue about oneself.  Rather, it should be a conversation where both friends can discuss concerns and give each other advice.

When it comes to doing each other favors, one cannot expect her friend to do something that she is not willing to do herself.  A person cannot demand respect from others if she does not give others respect first. This is the same for trust.  Without the mutual factor in friendships, it is no longer a friendship.  Rather, it has become a one-sided relationship where one benefits and the other does not.

Friends can help a person grow and build character.  Although families instill moral values and beliefs in their children, students are at school for most of the day and a great deal of time is spent with friends.  As a result, friends strongly influence one’s behavior and attitude.  This means friends can either help one to grow or hold one back.  Reflecting on the different types of friendships one has is wise.

Lastly, a major characteristic a friend should have is being able to forgive.  Pride and hurt are often barriers which prevent people from either asking for forgiveness or accepting another’s apology.  However, it is better for one’s health and relationships to forgive.  Although forgiveness takes time and a willingness to do so, being able to forgive is not only an attitude, it demonstrates one’s true character.

Friendships are some of the greatest relationships people make in their lifetimes.  One can learn a lot about life, who one is, and what it means to be human by interacting well with good friends.

About the Contributor
Kylie Ching, Reporter
Kylie Ching is a senior.  This is her second year on the Ka Leo staff. She enjoys writing book reviews and editorials.  Kylie is a part of the Academy’s marching band, where she is a section leader and also vice-president.  In her spare time, she likes to read, write and play the ukulele. Besides her passion for music, she enjoys the sciences and aspires for a career in the medical field.
Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All Ka Leo Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activate Search
Mutual friendships are relationships for life