Make True Friends
How to make and keep friends, and support and appreciate them
Source: written by Odysseus, son of Laertes, King of Ithaca, and a friend to many.
In this issue, I will share with you some of the lessons I have learned about friendship during my long and perilous journey home from the Trojan War. I will also offer you some tips on how to apply these lessons to your own life in this modern world, where friends are more precious than ever.
Why friendship matters
Friendship is one of the greatest gifts that the gods have bestowed upon us mortals. It is a bond that transcends time and space, and that can overcome any obstacle or hardship. A true friend is someone who stands by your side, who shares your joys and sorrows, who supports you in your endeavors, and who appreciates you for who you are.
I have been fortunate enough to have many such friends in my life, who have helped me through many trials and tribulations. Some of them were my loyal companions, who followed me to the war and back, and who faced many dangers and temptations with me. Some of them were my gracious hosts, who welcomed me into their homes and lands, and who offered me hospitality and guidance. Some of them were my divine allies, who favored me with their protection and assistance, and who intervened on my behalf when I needed them most.
Without these friends, I would not have been able to survive the wrath of Poseidon, the god of the sea, who made my voyage home a nightmare. Without these friends, I would not have been able to overcome the challenges and enemies that awaited me in Ithaca, my beloved homeland. Without these friends, I would not have been able to reunite with my faithful wife, Penelope, and my brave son, Telemachus, who waited for me for twenty long years.
How to be a good friend
Friendship is not something that happens by chance or by fate. It is something that requires effort and care, and that must be nurtured and maintained. It is also something that comes with responsibilities and obligations, and that must be honored and respected. Here are some tips on how to be a good friend, based on my own experience:
Be loyal. A loyal friend is someone who does not betray you, who does not abandon you, who does not deceive you, and who does not harm you. A loyal friend is someone who sticks with you through thick and thin, who defends you from your enemies, who supports you in your decisions, and who does not judge you harshly. A loyal friend is someone who is faithful to you, who is honest with you, who is trustworthy, and who is reliable. Loyalty is the foundation of friendship, and without it, friendship cannot last.
Be generous. A generous friend is someone who does not hesitate to share with you, who does not hold back from giving to you, who does not expect anything in return, and who does not take advantage of you. A generous friend is someone who offers you their time, their attention, their resources, their skills, and their knowledge. A generous friend is someone who helps you when you are in need, who comforts you when you are in distress, who cheers you up when you are sad, and who celebrates with you when you are happy. Generosity is the expression of friendship, and without it, friendship cannot grow.
Be respectful. A respectful friend is someone who does not insult you, who does not mock you, who does not belittle you, and who does not ignore you. A respectful friend is someone who listens to you, who understands you, who values you, and who appreciates you. A respectful friend is someone who respects your opinions, your feelings, your choices, and your boundaries. A respectful friend is someone who treats you with dignity, with courtesy, with kindness, and with grace. Respect is the essence of friendship, and without it, friendship cannot flourish.
These are some of the qualities that I have found to be essential for friendship, and that I have tried to cultivate in myself and in others. I hope that you will find them useful and beneficial, and that you will apply them to your own friendships. Remember, my friends, that friendship is a treasure that cannot be bought or sold, but that can only be earned and kept. Cherish your friends, and they will cherish you back.
Thank you for reading this issue of my newsletter. I hope you have enjoyed it, and that you will join me again next time, when I will talk about another topic that is close to my heart: The Art of Leadership: How to lead and inspire others, and how to deal with challenges and conflicts, based on my experience as a king and a warrior.
Until then, farewell, and may the gods bless you and your friends.