Indrani,

I like to think of Friendship as being sort of like a tree. A tree... in order to grow.... needs a combination of sunlight and water.

However a tree will die if it receives too much sunlight, just as it will die if it receives too little. The same thing is true if a tree receives too much or too little water.

Anyway... friendship is the same way.

For example, spending too much time together can be as bad for the friendship as spending too little time together.

Or...

Discussing really sad stuff all the time can be as bad for the friendship as not discussing any sad stuff at all.

I hope you get what I am trying to say here, because one key I think to growing healthy friendships is practicing moderation.

And knowing what is too much or too little is what makes friendship (or any relationship for that matter) so darn tricky!!!

But I think that learning the right amounts is something that comes from trial and error, lots of practice, and remembering the golden rule which is to treat others the way you would want to be treated!!

The second thing that one needs in order to grow healthy friendships is to learn patience!!

Just as trees grow very slowly, the same holds true when it comes to growing a strong and healthy friendship.

A friendship that grows too fast typically resembles a tree that has very shallow roots. It may look strong and tall, but when the winds of adversity and change blow upon it, it is easily uprooted and torn from the ground, at which point, it cannot survive.

Anyway... I hope this analogy helps. Good luck to you in your search for friends. There are many wonderful people out there in the world, but just take your time when you go searching for them.

All the best,

Peppermint Patty