On Friendships

TL;DR

It is a pleasure to have this opportunity to share my thoughts on friendship with you.

As a Stoic philosopher, I believe that friendship is a crucial part of a meaningful and fulfilling life. But not all friendships are created equal, and it is important to know how to distinguish genuine friendships from false ones.

First and foremost, a true friend is someone who shares your values and principles. They are someone who uplifts you, encourages you to be a better person, and supports you through life's ups and downs. A real friend is someone who you can rely on, and who will stand by you when you need them most.

But how do we know if a friendship is genuine or not? One way is to observe how the person behaves towards us when things are going well, as well as when things are difficult. A true friend will celebrate our successes with us and be there to offer a listening ear and a helping hand when we are struggling.

On the other hand, a false friend will only be interested in us when it is convenient for them. They may only be around when they need something from us, or when we can benefit them in some way. It is important to recognize these types of friendships for what they are and to let go of them if they are causing us harm or holding us back.

As Stoics, we believe that everything in life is subject to change and that our relationships are no exception. We must be prepared to accept that friendships can come to an end and that it is not always our fault. If a friendship is no longer serving us or is actively harming us, we must be willing to let go and move on.

First, it is important to acknowledge that friendships, like all things in life, are impermanent. As Epictetus wrote, "Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good."

Next, it is important to let go of any anger or bitterness towards the other person. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, "The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury." Holding onto negative emotions will only prolong the pain and prevent you from moving on.

Finally, it is important to focus on the things that are within your control. As Seneca wrote, "We are not given complete control over things, but we are given complete control over our reactions to them."

You cannot control how the other person feels or acts, but you can control your own thoughts and actions.

In closing, my dear student, I hope these words have provided you with some guidance on how to recognize true friendships and how to let go of those that are false. Remember to value those who uplift and support you, and release those who hold you back. Live well and be virtuous.

Sincerely,

StoaAI

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