Friends ... siblings God never gave us

It was a couple of days ago that I flipped through my mobile's gallery, and smiling faces of friends popped up. The pictures made me pause and reflect upon the steadfast friendships that have been a cornerstone in my life. Each picture transported me to times gone by, reminding me of an incredibly unique bunch of friends who have made this journey of mine so special.

There's this saying: "Friends are the siblings God never gave us." They are the family we choose, and they shape our personalities in an amount no one can ever think of. Friendship, the purest form of love, knows no caste, no culture, and no appearance. And quite rightly so, when our bad habits tally, our good friends are born. Common quirks often form the base of strong bonds, and that's when the magic of friendship unfolds.

Some friends came with my life partner, and others came with my children. Sometimes, I even think that my children's friends are mine, since these friends have played an important role in my children's lives. They say, "Friendship is not by age," and that is so true. These people, who have been pillars of strength for my family, make me feel really blessed. I am proud to call them my friends, to those who act as cover-ups for angels.

Friends are the unsung heroes in life. Friends are our safety nets, always ready to catch us whenever we stumble. They are the best listeners, indulging our wildest ideas. They are partners in crime, making all the adventures of life unforgettable.

Life is a voyage, and on the journey, one meets lots of people. We clutch a few who know our deepest secrets yet love us just the same. New faces bring new ideas and often colleagues become confidants. In today's world of social networking, some networks develop into strong relationships. True friends show up when one needs them, whether through a phone call or with a comforting hug.

Friendship works on respecting one another's tales and opinions. Why is that we are open to our friends' suggestions or criticisms?

It is because of flexible boundaries and trusting their good intentions. Friends are a significant fraction that helps us get through the rise and fall of life. One of the greater gifts is taken as their constructive criticism.

Reflecting on my friendships, I remember the time we had a spontaneous picnic at the park. We didn't have much, just a cotton rugs to spread on ground, some homemade eatables, and a lot of laughter. The simple joy of being together, sharing stories, and watching the sunset made it one of the most memorable days of my life. It is these little moments which make lifetime memories.

Friends are the melody that harmonizes our lives, a symphony of shared laughter and tears. They remind us that beauty lies not in being alone but in being connected. Friends are that secret ingredient which makes life delectable. They make a reason for us to laugh and cry and roll our eyes together.

A friend, they say, is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden. I will never forget the day a close friend showed up at my front door, with ice cream, after I had one of those awful days. No words needed to be said; just her presence uplifted me.

True friends somehow know exactly what you want and need, even when you don't. Robin Williams said, "You're only given a little spark of madness. you mustn't lose it." Thankfully, that's kept alive with the help of our friends. Whether through a laugh shared, words of comfort, or just being there, they make our lives beautiful.

Here's to the friends who make our lives masterpieces of laughter, love, and adventure …