July 30, 2025
Writer: Christopher Jan Dumaguin
Researcher: Christopher Jan Dumaguin
Enduring Power of Friendship
Have you ever reconnected with an old friend after years apart and felt as though no time had passed? That is the magic of friendship. Even in silence or distance, the bond endures. It is not about being in constant contact but being there when it truly matters.
In a world that is constantly shifting, where people come and go and circumstances change, one thing remains steadfast—the meaningful connections we make with others. These bonds, though often formed in the simplest of ways, become threads that hold us together across borders and through the years.
At its core, friendship is about presence and understanding. A true friend sees you for who you are—your strengths, flaws, dreams, and fears—and stands by you without preconceived judgments. They join you during good and happy times while they become your haven in times of grief and sorrow. Unlike transactional relationships, genuine friendships are rooted in unconditional care and mutual respect.
Numerous studies have shown that having strong friendships can improve mental health, reduce stress, and even enhance longevity. Friends help us navigate life’s ups and downs. They offer different perspectives, challenge our thinking, and push us toward becoming better versions of ourselves.
In the presence of true friends, we uncover layers of ourselves that remained dormant before. Like skilled therapists, true friends can provoke thoughts and actions that lead to personal growth. They push us beyond our comfort zones, challenge our limiting beliefs, and inspire us to pursue our passions. [1]
With this, friendships can take many forms. Some are lifelong companions who witness our every chapter, while others are fleeting but significant, showing up when we need them most. Some friends live across the street; others may be miles away. But what makes friendship special is that even when we are far apart, the emotional bond stays just as strong.
Celebrating Friendships
Friendship and connections are synonymous with bonding, and building those common bonds goes beyond sharing a trait, characteristic, or favorite pastime with another person or group, but also includes promoting a global commitment and understanding of diversity and inclusion. Even in our differences, we can find common ground. Physical appearances, differences of opinions, political views, tastes, music, and more are not reasons to separate people. Relationships are bigger than that, and the United Nation (UN) works to promote kindness and togetherness every July. [2]
The UN encourages governments, community groups, and other organizations to coordinate activities and events that celebrate the friendships that we keep close to us. Many events focus on reconciliation, bridging understanding and consensus, and finding comfort in those friendships that feel like home. [2]
International Friendship Day is recognized every 30th of July, with celebrations and activities taking place in many countries around the world. The concept of a day dedicated to friendship has been embraced by schools, workplaces, and community groups around the world. [3]
This celebration serves as a reminder to cherish the people who walk alongside us in life. It is a chance to express our gratitude, reconnect with our old friends, and best extend a hand to someone who needs a friend.
Whether through a simple message, a shared meal, or an unexpected phone call, reaching out can strengthen bonds that might otherwise fade in the background of our busy lives.
Real Friendships are Lifelines
What keeps friendships alive across time and distance? It is the little things. Life’s demands may cause friendships to drift apart, but rekindling a connection can be as simple as a thoughtful message out of the blue. A shared memory revisited. A birthday remembered. A quick check-in during difficult times. In moments of understanding that do not require daily conversations to remain alive. In fact, some of the most enduring friendships are those that thrive through long stretches of silence, proving that emotional closeness is rooted in something deeper than proximity. These gestures weave an invisible thread that connects hearts, even across borders and miles away.
Because real friendship thrives on sincerity. It does not demand perfection, only presence. And often, it is in the smallest acts that the deepest care is revealed. In our digital age, staying connected has become easier than ever, yet genuine connections can still be rare. The key is not how often we interact, but how authentic the relationship feels. Yes, quality always trumps over quantity.
In the end, friendships are not just relationships—they are lifelines. They make life more colorful, more bearable, and more meaningful. In a world that often feels uncertain, the presence of a true friend is a comforting constant. So let us honor our friendships with kindness, time, and love.
After all, the best connections are not limited by time or place — they are written in our hearts.
Session Questions:
Q1: When has a friend been your lifeline? How did their presence support your mental health?
Q2: In a world of silence and distance, what keeps real friendships alive and how can we protect them?
Q3: How can schools, workplaces, or communities build spaces where friendships thrive and emotional connection is valued?
References:
- Prihandito, B. 2023. The Essence of Genuine Friends and Their True Value. Life Architekture. Retrieved at: https://lifearchitekture.com/blogs/relationships/value-true-friendship
- National Today. 2025. International Day of Friendship Day 2025. Retrieved at: https://nationaltoday.com/international-day-of-friendship
- Awareness Day. 2025. World Friendship Day / International Friendship Day 2025. Retrieved at: https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-friendship-day-international-day-of-friendship/
