Friendship is one of the greatest treasures in life. It makes a person truly rich—not in material terms, but in joy, emotional support, and a sense of belonging. Without friends, life would lack the color and happiness that come from shared experiences and genuine connections.

One day, one of my colleagues asked me, "How many friends do you have?" I smiled and replied, "It’s not possible to count." He then shared a personal story: after he met with an accident, he posted about it on social media. He has nearly 200 followers and friends online. Many of them sent kind messages and well wishes, but only 5 or 6 people visited him in person. That moment made him realize the difference between online connections and true, close friendships.

This reminds me of a well-known theory by British anthropologist Robin Dunbar. According to his research, every individual can maintain stable relationships at varying levels:

·         5 to 10 people – Close friends, those you trust deeply and confide in.

·         15 people – Good friends, with whom you share strong bonds.

·         150 people – Meaningful friends, those you know well and interact with occasionally.

·         500 people – Acquaintances, people you recognize and know casually.

·         1,500 people – People you can identify by name or face, but may not know personally.

In my case, I have about 8 to 10 close friends back in my native place. Whenever I meet them, I feel completely relaxed and genuinely happy. At work too, I have many friendly colleagues. But it's sometimes hard to say who falls into the category of a "close friend." Still, just seeing a friend—someone who knows you, accepts you, and brings a smile to your face—can lift your spirits instantly. True friendship nourishes our mental and emotional well-being.

Last week, one of our old friends who now works in the LHB shop suffered a stroke. When we spoke to him, he said the reason was extreme job stress. He recalled the days when he worked with us in the design department. Back then, we used to laugh together, share stories, joke around, and support one another. That joyful atmosphere kept him healthy and motivated. Now, after being transferred, he misses those moments and the companionship that came with them. He told us, "Friends like you made me laugh and helped me release my stress."

I consider myself lucky to still have such wonderful friends around me. They make life lighter, more enjoyable, and above all, more meaningful. True friendship isn’t about numbers—it’s about connection, laughter, support, and simply being there for one another.


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