Ever since we were seven years old, or maybe even younger than that, we were taught the importance of having friends. Parents told us to share an already way too small lunch if someone forgot theirs. Teachers asked us to use each other's Crayola crayons during art class, knowing very well that it takes more than just the sharing of sticks of coloured wax to build a friendship.
Back then, naive as we were, we didn't stop to question their teaching methods. We just nodded, pretended we knew what they were talking about, and merely played along. Now, seventeen years away from drawing stick figures and a quarter of the sun at the corner of the page, I find myself at a loss trying to understand this relationship, based solely on the give-and-take premise, they were trying to shove down our throats. Because yes, sharing of goods is, well, good, but then again I don't consider the homeless person I shared a sandwich with the other day my friend either.
True friendship requires so much more than that. Actually, it doesn't really require that much, just the little things. Things like consistency, effort, patience and heart. To find that in a person, in a place so big so chaotic so unpredictable, is as rare as finding a quiet unlit spot in the city centre. So when you meet someone who's willing to open up to you, share with you their hopes and dreams without any hidden agendas, someone whose colours are more genuine than the sixty-four pack of crayons from Crayola, you take that and you cherish it.
To have someone in your life who can brighten up your day just by being in it is pretty much the equivalent of drawing a quarter of the sun at the corner of a blank white page. You don't have to have it but it's so much better if you do.
Non-Profit Disclaimer: No immediate profits were made from mentioning the Crayola brand of crayons. Thank you.