LOH 192 contest week | Friendship: Real Friends, Rare Finds

Hello, gorgeous #LadiesofHive. I sincerely hope everyone is in the pink of health and enjoying their day. Thank God my vertigo attack has gone.

There are two topics for this week:

• How much does friendship mean to you? Can you make new friends easily?

• What old, worn-out thing can you simply not part with?

I selected the first topic because it holds significant personal meaning for me.

Gladys, Debbie and I

The pursuit of one's ultimate happiness is key to any meaningful friendship. It prioritizes another person. Things require doing things with complete honesty, commitment, and purity. Perhaps the phrase affection represents the true nature of friendship. Your presence will touch the hearts of many people you encounter as you learn to be a friend and let your light shine.

Debbie exudes an effortless charisma with her down-to-earth nature, strong will, and trendy style, while Gladys possesses a unique blend of intelligence and innocence. As for me, I bring a friendly but mysterious presence to our trio. As teenagers, we take delight in the simple pleasures of life, whether it's savoring delicious meals, finding joy in the smallest of things, or getting giddy at the sight of our crushes. We love nothing more than strolls around the subdivision on our bicycles, cozy movie nights, beach getaways, and even just window shopping. Our friendship has flourished since our high school days, and being neighbors has only heightened our connection. We cherish and embrace the distinctiveness within each of us, turning every difference and humor into a source of celebration. We're truly inseparable!

We studied in different schools in the City of Davao (Philippines) when we were in high school. After classes, we meet in our hangout which is located near the basketball court close to our homes. We updated each other on our day in school and helped each other with our school research and assignments. We, like other friendships, we too, have challenges but we have triumphed over them and grown closer.

When it was time for college, we each took different paths. I pursued my studies at one of the most esteemed universities in Manila, while they chose to attend a prestigious university in Davao City.

Debbie always made time to visit me whenever she traveled to Manila to spend time with her sister.

The three of us used to communicate through telephone conversations and handwritten letters, as the internet had not yet become widely popular. These traditional methods of communication were especially cherished during special occasions. I always looked forward to my summer or Christmas vacation in Davao, and our reunions were filled with heartfelt moments and joyful memories, as we made up for the time spent apart.

We had different life experiences, but there is no judgment or pretense. What you see is what you get.

Spending quality time with friends has a remarkable impact on our overall well-being. It not only revitalizes our minds but also fills our hearts with joy. Our circle of friends plays a significant role in influencing our thoughts, actions, and values, shaping our character in profound ways. The depth of genuine friendship is immeasurable, as it stems from the profound mutual affection and understanding that exists within the hearts of those involved. Material wealth and possessions, though providing temporary pleasure, are ultimately insufficient to bring us lasting fulfillment. Genuine, loyal friendships, on the other hand, play a crucial role in enriching our lives and bringing us deep satisfaction. These relationships allow us to share our joys and sorrows, and the beauty of it is that we often find that words are unnecessary. Our true friends can discern our emotions simply by observing our expressions or listening to the tone of our voices.

Mutual trust is cultivated. Regardless of who you are, you are the first person to be trusted. It's not something you can afford. It is not something you can act as though you own. It must be proven by you. Most people use honesty and commitment to others as a sign of trustworthiness. Often, we stand in our way when it comes to developing our trustworthiness. Future assurances won't be able to restore the damaged one. There aren't fast cures or patches to be found. Establishing trust is a procedure. Furthermore, confidence is not only between two individuals but also between other people. Friendships are not formed overnight; they must be years in the making. A strong support system in our lives is a good friend.

Having a devoted and sincere friends is a rare find. Real friendships last a lifetime. Even if we become preoccupied with our own families, love lives, or careers, all it takes is a reunion to reignite all of our pleasant memories while also creating new ones. We treat each other as if we were a second family. We are not ashamed to admit our lives's triumphs and failings. This is the genuine value and soul of our friendship. Many connections bring us together. Our friendship has flaws, but we don't talk about them with others. When one of us requires assistance, we are there to console. We are all involved in each other's lives.

We all have separate lives, but we are always in touch. Gladys has never married and enjoys her profession as an Administrative Head at one of Davao City's tertiary hospitals, where she has the freedom to travel on weekends and vacations. Debbie has a great family, and she devotes her time to them even though she already has adult children and works, and her husband is now retired. They appreciate one another's presence. Regarding myself, I have a daughter and a teen grandson. I adored caring for my youngest son with special needs when he was still alive; he was my strength and life, even though my daughter is now away from me and her family. My 88-year-old mother lives with me and is my lone companion at home. I am now a retired Mamita, but I found my niche as a ghostwriter, assistant editor at a multinational magazine, and online shopper for my COO and CEO.

Debbie's family was affected by a flash flood when a storm struck Mindanao. She was in tears when she called. She and her family were unable to recover everything, but I was relieved and happy that they were unharmed. I was concerned because I was away and couldn't help her. I called Gladys and explained Debbie's family's situation. She contacted Debbie and invited her to her home to assist her with whatever she needed. Debbie visited Gladys' house, and we had a video call. Even though I wasn't physically present, I was pleased that Gladys was there to comfort Debbie. That is how we adore one another.

It's easy for me to make friends, but it's difficult for me to trust until it's proven. I've had a lot of friends throughout the years, but just a handful are loyal and trustworthy. The friendship that has endured for four decades between the three of us is growing stronger and is becoming increasingly rare these days. Genuine friends are difficult to come by.

How about you, ladies? Do you have real friends that you can lean on through thick and thin?

Thank you everyone for reading my story this far. God bless everyone.

Namaste,
@diosarich 🌷