Friendship

I have over the last few weeks pondered over the topic of 'friendship', and how it relates to our virtual realm.

I even had cause to look up a definition just to get some foundation on my thoughts - a sorry state of affairs to admit to.

I offer two ideas.

Time is the currency of friendship.
How one 'spends' ones' time is a measure of what you find important.
Making time to chat, dance, explore or whatever with someone is an
indication of the value you place upon them.
A crude analogy I admit. But it got me thinking...

An analogy...

A friendship, or any relationship, is like a bank account. We make deposits - time, gifts, affection, chatting - into that persons account.

We can also make withdrawls too - the wrong word, anger, silence, not making time - these reduce the balance in that friendship account.

For strong friendships you can even go overdrawn, into debt. Maybe from misunderstandings or reacting to a hurt. But a good friend will understand and allow a negative balance as they know you are worth the debt.

Following on from this idea, I suggest the frequency of deposit (friendly deeds) is a major factor. A friendship balance is eroded by time. The rate will be different for different people, even in the same friendship.

Some will make frequent small deposits - the hiyas, waves, chats about your day, the odd dance maybe. This is not unlike the ordinary Joe visiting the bank every few days and chatting to the pretty clerk behind the counter whom he gets to know.

Then there are the 'flash harry' deposits, once in a while the guy who deposits a large amount - presents, fine words, posh venue.

A very over simple analogy, but I hope it conveys an idea.

I wonder which the bank clerk would miss more, who she would turn to chat with if her dog were ill or ask for help in the garden?