Written By: Rtr. Jayani Wickramasinghe

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

This is a very famous quote that is familiar to all of us, but the question is, does everyone know the meaning of it? So if you doubt this, I encourage you to keep reading, as this becomes interesting and worthy as you go on.

What is International Day of Friendship?

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2011, with the intention of building peace and bonds between different communities. To mark the International Day of Friendship, the UN encourages governments, international organizations, and civil society groups to hold events, activities, and initiatives that contribute towards understanding the deep-rooted values of friendship.

The UN has dedicated a day for friendship as they have recognized the power of friends. The spirit of friendship can even turn a massive rock upside down. True friendships are essential for the

• betterment of one’s life,
• a country’s development,

and finally,

• to promote harmony within nations.

My Personal Journey with “Friendship”

As a young adult, I have experienced many sorts of friendships from my childhood to the present. Although many of them seemed normal, there were some friends who made my life easier while others made life even worse. But I was brave enough to spill the spoilers and carry the best ones who really cared for me. It may seem like a small circle for others, but for me it’s the strongest and most trustworthy one. Sometimes there may be fights within this circle as well, but we made sure the bond doesn’t shatter, and each time an argument is over, this circle stands up stronger.

Have you met Fake Friends?

Sometimes, finding real friends can feel like searching for light in a maze of shadows.

In today’s world, appearances are deceiving, and real intentions are hard to judge; it’s hard to know who truly stands by you. Many people form connections not out of care or loyalty, but to gain advantages, and once they’ve taken what they need, they walk away, leaving behind scars and silence. The most painful part is not just their absence, but the betrayal, especially the backbiting they spread once they’re gone.

Toxic friendships don’t just affect individuals; it affect on a larger scale too. Nations have been victims of false alliances. Some countries face economic collapse or political instability simply because they trusted the wrong partners. True friendship, whether between people or nations, must be built on honesty, trust.

Real depth of the word “Friendship”

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “a friend is a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically characterized by a close and informal relationship of mutual trust and intimacy”. Although “Friend” is just a seven-letter word, look how Oxford has defined it, giving it so much value and prestige. Although it is defined in such a manner, there is always a doubt about whether fellow people are following these in a friendship.

Friends are not people who are present  24/7, but they are always in your heart, and they not only share the happiness but the pain too.

Some friendships are like old t-shirts; even if you don’t wear them for months, the day you put them on, they fit and match perfectly, and you will never feel uncomfortable. Friends like that are very rare, but if you do have one like that, make sure to protect your bond and try to make it stronger, as such friends are precious than gold.

Celebrating Friendship Day in 2025

International Friendship Day 2025 is celebrated this year with various activities and events to highlight the significance of friendship and to promote a culture of peace. Such as friendship exhibitions. There, we can explore virtual tours showcasing the efforts of communities in fostering friendships and peace.

Final Thoughts: Friends as Guiding Stars

I believe it is our duty to be true and trustworthy friends. Some consider overthinking to be a nuisance, but from my point of view, overthinkers always make sure that no one is being hurt, as they feel the pain. Like real good friends!

Friends are like stars in the night sky. They are the ones who light up the whole dark sky; likewise, friends too can change a person for good or bad. Therefore, we should be wise enough to take our time to make conclusions about the friends around us and identify their intentions in building a rapport.

Graphic Design By: Rtr. Buthma Menali