MyOwnWay 0 #1 October 30, 2003 This is somewhat of a deep subject for me. I feel like an epiphany has occurred in my life this past week. Being a 19-year old college student, I have yet so much to learn about life. Recently I had a four-hour talk with one of my closest friends. We discussed what the subtle difference between a friend and a companion is. As I was walking through campus today, a thought struck my mind. If I was held at gun point and the person behind that gun had all the people i know standing in a line, and if this person asked me if I cherished the relationship I have with each person, individually, I considered "friends", I would have to say no to all but three. So what is the difference between a friend and a companion? I consider a friend the type of person that I relate to more than just the obvious coincidents, such as we both listen to the same music, have similar interests, blah, blah, blah. A friend is a person that i can spend hours with talking about the what makes us who we are, discussing the hidden meanings behind what we do and what we say. It goes beyond the mindless chit chat that I have to put up with every day. Now, to define a companion, that is the type of person that I have similar interests with. We could spend hours talking about that, but nothing that actually affects our lives. It goes beyond the mindless chit chat, but the conversations are far from the true friendship level. So, what are you? A friend or a companion? It's interesting to sit back and think about all the people that you know and ponder over your relationship with them. How much do you truly value your "friendship?"_________________________________________ all good things are wild and free - Henry David Thoreau Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #2 October 30, 2003 Interesting, but I have a different definition of companion. I have acquaintances with whom I can chat about silly things for a long time. I have friends whom I love. But I only have one companion - to me, she is my better half. Think about "friendship" vs. "companionship." To me, a companionship is a far deeper level. With a friend, you care, but with a companion, one is exposed for all weaknesses. A great thing to think about, though... My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kansasskydiver 0 #3 October 30, 2003 i agree, i see a companion as an S.O i think the word should be colleague<--- See look, pink dolphins DO exist! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RkyMtnHigh 0 #4 October 30, 2003 Mega ditto! _________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kansasskydiver 0 #5 October 30, 2003 i still think it is very interesting. there are many people of whom i consider my friends but don't tell them everything. i think there are 3 levels of friendship companionship friendship acquantances (sp) the companionship is the highests of all trust and friendship where you tell everything and have no reason to doubt of second guess these people. it is also the hardest level of friendship to achieve as it is just way too easy to be taken advantage of, atleast in my personal experiences friendships are what we run into on a daily basis, they are those that you hang out with, go out to parties and bars with, talk about your problems, cry on their shoulder, tell them secrets that they tell people anyways etc acquantances/colleauges are jus tthose people you see in passing, you but into them, you have a smile on your face, you see the in class, at work, but you don't even have their number. if you bump into them somewhere you will say hey or invite them to your table, but they were never the ones you thought of when putting together invites to your next party friendship though is so overrated and overused, kinds like love. "oh geez i LOVE this song" do you physically adore this song, do you give it roses and wine and dine the song, do you know it's first and last name, their first bf in kindergarden etc. you get my point so like love, "yeah he's my friend" it's really always the case, yet "yeah i know him" isn't the best way to say it. so it's really confusing just my 2 cents on the matter<--- See look, pink dolphins DO exist! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moodyskydiver 0 #6 October 30, 2003 I've always thought of the people in my life as either a "true friend" or just a "casual associate". I interact with people every day at school,social functions,etc. although I am friendly towards them and can enjoy hanging out or being around these people, they are not necessarily friends.They are people I associate myself with. My true friends are dear and few in number. If I know I am willing to drop everything to help this person b/c I care about them and know they would do the same for me, then I know they are true friends through the good and bad. I agree with lawrocket about the companion issue. A companion is a higher form of friendship. I feel this is the person that not necessarily completes my life, but rather compliments my life.My companion will be the person that makes my life more fulfilling and allows me to reciprocate that by complimenting their life with the relationship they have with me.I don't have a companion nor do I know if I will ever have such a person in my life, but I am open to the possibilities. "...just an earthbound misfit, I." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #7 October 30, 2003 Quote being a 19-year-old college student . having JUST been there (and graduated a year ago) I can say it's so true...those few years around your age you learn SOOOOO much. What I learned, is it's better not to analyze such things. Friends, acquaintences, companions...who needs a label. A lot of times, these people in each category will come and go. Just enjoy the times while they last and not worry so much about the labels that come and go You will always know in your heart who and what are important to you at the time.Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kansasskydiver 0 #8 October 30, 2003 i too agree, we are all still young (you and i is what i'm saying myownway) there is still so much to learn. you have grown a lot in the past year i've known you, you're not the same person as whom i met a year ago. that is both good and bad. hopefully i have rubbed off on you somewhat and you will see someday what i tried to help you with<--- See look, pink dolphins DO exist! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #9 October 30, 2003 Well, I've been around a bit longer than you juveniles.. And I've learned that, here in the world, it really is necessary to make lines between friends, associates or acquaintances, and my companion. Unlike my last job, I do not really associate with any of my co-workers outside of work. None of them really reach that "friend" level. And in many circumstances, it is necessary to maintain guidelines between friends and acquaintances. Sad but true. But it doesn't mean "don't be friendly" My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #10 October 30, 2003 You can maintain those guidelines on a case-by-case basis w/out the labels. Even people in the same "category" so-to-speak can have different lines you might or might not want to cross But you're the elder so I'll head your comments (teasing)Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #11 October 30, 2003 Respect your bald, fat and wrinkly elders, unless they disagree with me. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
