Friendships

Among the friends we choose we always make a distinction to find the ones with similar interests. We have a strong tendency to bond to other individuals. Why do we do this, and how do we pick out the best of our friends? Is there some magic formula, a common thread that binds us? Are all our friends genetically linked. Is there a science to making friends?

Well of course I am in no position to answer that, but I do observe a very strong pattern and can classify them into two broad categories support and occupational. There are a few of our friends who support us, who are the source of our strength, whom we confide our darkest secrets and desires to. There are the "other guys", the occupational friends, whom we have a working relationship with. As time has passed by and as many things have transgressed over the years the apparent fact is that the importance we give to each of these types of friends differs. I have seen among my own group of friends when sometimes they make out time to come and chat with the "gang" and at other times just plain ignore the invites and search for greener pastures.

My choice among friends has not been based on availability or support, a strong sense of community or fraternity. I am confounded at my own choices in friends. The various strong willed creatures who make up my social circle and entertain me at times and annoy at some others are my prized acquaintances. Some I have met over tea or lunch, others in college, others at social gatherings.This unique set and subset of my social endeavors are incomprehensible as a selection to me. 

As I share a deep bond with my friends and form a kinship with them I see my own new community and family emerge. The source of my strengths and probably my greatest weaknesses. I do not share any genes with  these strangers, yet some are my brothers and sisters, my aunts and uncles. This tendency perplexes my curiosity and only fascinates me further to delve and understand the thinking behind such behavior.