What is your definition of a friend?

[yume_]

Okay this might be really stupid lol. I am curious since I think the term "friend" is very subjective. Like when do you start calling a person your "friend"? When does a friendship start?

I have a hard time to define what exactly I am to another. Acquaintance fits but after some time it changes right? The only time I am 100% sure is when someone defines the relationship like: " my friend here...." or smth like that.

 

[crystalcastles]

I don't know the definition of a friend, because all my "friends" abused me one and off for ~15 years. So, my perception of a friend is very skewed. It's one of many reasons why I'm choosing to CTB.

 

[glassskin]

yeah, i struggle with that too. like i don't feel connected to anyone even if they consider me as a friend. Even if they call me a friend and i go through the motions, there's nothing there. i let go of most of my irl friends over the years because it's too painfully pointless. if i'm going to be lonely, i might as well be alone. the worst feeling is being surrounded by friends but feeling more lonely than actually being alone.

 

[LovesickLoser]

Okay this might be really stupid lol. I am curious since I think the term "friend" is very subjective. Like when do you start calling a person your "friend"? When does a friendship start?

I have a hard time to define what exactly I am to another. Acquaintance fits but after some time it changes right? The only time I am 100% sure is when someone defines the relationship like: " my friend here...." or smth like that.

An actual friend is someone who won't toss you aside or start keeping their distance the moment you say something controversial that they strongly disagree with, or when you start dealing with personal issues that inconvenience them in some way. If both of those conditions are met they're a friend. If either one isn't they're at best a very close acquaintance.

 

[Pluto]

 

[FoxSauce]

Someone the support, tries to be truthful, loyal and kind.

Other traits are fine but most importantly they dont put you down for making themselves look good. Or manipulate you or just as a means to them.

 

[ImpermanentMondays]

To me, a friend is some1 you can talk to, trust, and mutually care about eachother,

though ultimately, it really gets back 2 vibes for me. Maybe it's a bit weird, but I have a bunch of people I know that I could probably talk to, trust, who care about me and I KINDA care about them, yet I don't really think any of them as friends. Probably since I met then through childhood in my Mormon Upbringing that I still have to pretend to do and be until I move out, and because of the happy disposition I wear out with them makes it so they know only a mask. I consider them acquaintance+, Some even acquaintance++.

The one friend I do consider to have, my childhood best friend, is/was equally as mentally unstable inside as I am, so we're on the same wavelength cuz of that, so the "vibes" align

 

[SASU-KE]

You enjoy each other's company and want to spend time with each other. That's it. That's the simple definition.

 

[thelostautistic]

I was asked this question in my autism assessment and I didn't know how to answer. I've spent my life confusing acquaintances and friendships.

 

[Enyan]

Figuring out who's a friend and who's not has always been too complicated for me. Might be a neurodivergence thing.

If I like you and we talk to each other? You're my friend. Doesn't mean I automatically assume you consider me a friend either, but that's how it works for me ♡

 

[Lamentice]

Someone I spend free time with.

 

[MissAbyss]

For me, a friend is someone who knows you, accepts you for who you are, and genuinely cares about you. Someone who chooses to be by your side through the happy moments and the challenging ones, offering support, understanding, and kindness along the way.

 

[The Eternal One]

Friend is someone whom you love platonically with no romantic/sexual feelings, while not being a blood relative. In my worldview, the majority of people, including myself, are merely acquaintances of each other judging by this framework.
Friendship is just as rare as real love, because they are one and the same.