Friendship

As Valentine's Day approaches, I thought that friendship would be something good to think about, and who better to start our thinking than C.S. Lewis?

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival." C. S. Lewis

The love of friendship is optional. Nothing forces friendship upon you. It is an investment we make that enhances our lives. It feels good to be a friend and to be befriended. It makes life beautiful to have someone to share life with.

"Eros will have naked bodies; Friendship naked personalities." C. S. Lewis

The love of friendship is intimate. So often, our relationships fall short of friendship. We do not share our naked personalities, but cover them up with the clothes of the soul: friendliness, quips, and smiles make us more bearable to ourselves, and, we think to others. It's scary to show our true selves to others. We're scared we will be rejected. Friendship takes courage to overcome this fear.

"Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives." C. S. Lewis

The love of friendship is rewarding. The investment and courage it requires brings indescribable rewards. The happiness we gain from true frienship is a gift. Perhaps friendship is the best Valentine of all--investment, courage and affection from one to another.