Oh, We’re Just Friends
Have you ever said this, perhaps defensively when out with an opposite sex friend? That’s the context in which this is usually used. But what are we saying? That little modifier, just, implies that this relationship is less important due to the lack of romantic tension and exclusivity.
Maybe that’s fair. Our significant other tends to be (and rightly so) the most important person in our lives. They are, it is to be hoped, our closest confidante and unwavering support. Surely it does not matter if we brush aside people’s hints and implications with this little phrase: “we’re not romantically involved; we’re just friends.”
But think for a moment, on who your closest platonic friend is and why they are that. How difficult it is to find a real friend! People are betrayed and back-stabbed by friends all the time.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
–Proverbs 17:17
How rare and how precious is a loyal friend! Especially if you are single, your true friends are infinitely important to your development, security, and outlook on life. People might sneer at the idea of friendship being powerful, as though that idea is solely for children, but no! Friendship heals, comforts, saves, improves, teaches, reveals, protects, reminds, strengthens, and feeds our souls that are naturally hungry for intimacy. Pure love and friendship could save the world. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
“Come, Mr. Frodo!’ he cried. ‘I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
The next time you find yourself in a situation to say “We’re just friends”, stop, and stand up straighter, and say with pride, “We are friends.” Because male or female, we need our friends.
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