Philosophy of Friendship

   Aristotle is considered a prolific and brilliant writer among the Western philosophers. He has his impact in many fields but the observations that he made on friendship and why it matters are still relevant. Aristotle regarded friendship as one of the truest joy of life and always said that a life of any human is a well - lived life only if it has meaningful and lasting friendship to enrich it. According to him there are 3 types of friendship:
1. Friendship of Utility - this is the friendship that arises out of the need to gain some benefits. The persons who are involved in it do not have any affection for one another but are concerned only with the fulfillment of the tasks; once the benefits stop this friendship also wanes as it is temporary. The relation ends once the benefits have stopped. Such friendships are more or less observed among older people. Some time is enjoyed together for some time but once the situation changes; the nature of connection changes too. This is an accidental type of friendship.
2. Friendship of Pleasure - also a type of accidental friendship that is very common in youngsters. For example, the friend circle which we had during our college days. The two parties get enjoyment from something which they do together in an external way. The emotions here are grounded only in the emotions felt in a particular situation like playing a particular sport for your college. This is a friendship with short life as many of the youngsters end it with the change in their preferences / tastes. According to Aristotle these 2 accidental friendships are not bad  but they lack the depth that is required to sustain any relation.
3. Friendship of the Good - this is the most preferred one as there is a sense of self respect and mutual appreciation for the values which are dear to the other person. The persons involved as well the qualities they possess act as incentives for both the parties to remain with each other in life. This is a long term friendship as both the parties involved  endure over time and take utmost care to be there for one another. This friendship takes time and trust to build and depends on mutual growth. At this level we connect with those who have endured hardships like us or those whom we have seen at their worst and watched them grow.
The beauty of this relation is how they are more rewarding than the other 2 mentioned above. When one gives joy and respect to the other; one feels content and derives pleasures and benefits from such a person. This friendship helps you to maintain your emotional and mental health too.
Finally, take care of whom you are with as a friend and know where is your bond leading to in order to avoid the emotional baggage that an unhealthy friendship gives you. Be careful of whom you consider your friend.