The Best Quotes About Friendship: From Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oprah, And More
The gift of friendship is something you should cherish for a long time. Whether they're your childhood friend, a casual drinking buddy, a work friend, or a friend who is now long gone, your friends stay in your heart. As such, there have been many quotes about friendship that explore the meaning of friendship. The joys, bumps, and changes in friendship are just a few examples you'll run into as we look at the best quotes out there, along with some extra commentary.
The best quotes about friendship: From Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oprah, and others
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one."- C.S. Lewis
Many friendships are started because of one mutual thing in common. Whether it is a belief, an interest in a certain hobby, or anything else that can break the ice. Common interests make friendships. You may not agree with everything when it comes to your friend, but having that one similarity in common is a rarity. It was especially rare in Lewis's time.
"Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes." - Henry David Thoreau
They say it's a small world. Whoever said that must not have long-distance friendships. Again, this is a big phenomenon on the internet. We can make friends all across the globe, and it seems like the best friends are those who live far away. How many friends do you have in which you can imagine the two of you having a great time together, if only you lived closer? And when you do manage to meet, it's the best time of your lives.
"I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light."- Helen Keller
The world can be an awful, ugly place without friends. Even when the waters are calm, it can be boring if you're sailing alone.
"Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but give love." - Elie Wiesel
This is debatable depending on who you love and if that love is returned. Also, some friendships can lead to obsession. However, it is much less likely, and that makes it a quote you can think about and ponder.
"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." - Amy Poehler
We want a friend who won't hold us back in life but instead make us want to go into life with our weapons raised. A good friend will do this and much more. They'll encourage you to reach your goals, even if it means a lot of work. They'll be the ones who will make you want to reach a goal, too.
"Anybody can sympathize with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathize with a friend's success." ― Oscar Wilde
This will depend on friendship, but some friends get upset if another becomes successful or use that friend for their gain. True friendship will go beyond financial boundaries.
"Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit."― Aristotle
True friendship takes a lot of time to work, really. You may get along at first, but time will determine if the friendship is meant to last. You'll see each other's flaws and then figure out if the two of you want to continue with the friendship. Good friends survive the test of time.
"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down." - Oprah Winfrey
Oprah can deliver some wisdom, and this is one good example. We've all had to face fair-weather friends. Those who are your best friends until something bad happens in your life, and then they're nowhere to be found. A good friend will be one who'll try to help you through those tough times. You're not obligated to do everything for them; sometimes, they have to figure out things independently. But if they need someone to talk to, you'll be there.
"Friendship is delicate as a glass; once broken, it can be fixed, but there will always be cracks." - WaqarWaqar Ahmed
You and your friends will get into fights, and maybe you two will break it off for a bit. Fortunately, your friendships can be repaired; in fact, most friendships will go through some tough times. However, even though you may have buried the hatchet, there are still hatchet marks. Some will see that as a wound that never fully healed, while others will see it as battle scars of a tested warrior. It's up to you to decide which one it is.
"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12." - Stand by Me
There's a certain period in your life where your friendships shine, and it's usually during your teen years. You're old enough to do many activities with your friends and young enough to don't have many responsibilities. This is also a stage in your life where your friendships can shape you into the person you are today. If you're an adult, you probably know of a few friendships that have influenced you.
"An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind." - Buddha
We've all had that one friend who ended up not being your friend. They may not have been evil, but they were lying, flaky, and maybe they talked behind your back. It hurts knowing that who you thought was your friend was not, but it's a trial of life we must take.
"A strong friendship doesn't need daily conversation or being together. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends never part."
While you should communicate with your friend, a good friendship is not high-maintenance. You can go for a while without talking to each other. You shouldn't feel like you have to talk to your friend every single day. You should still hit them up, though, when you feel like it's been a while.
"We'll be friends 'til we're old and senile. … Then we'll be new friends!"
A good friendship is one where the two of you can live on the bright side of things. When you grow old and gray, your experiences can feel new. This quote can also apply to rekindling friendships, where you've been away for so long that it practically feels like a new friendship.
"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." - Elizabeth Foley
The sad truth about life is that you're probably going to see your childhood friends less as you grow older. Jobs, school, children, and moving all play a part. We have life commitments, and it's not like when you were teens and could do anything with ease. However, when you and your old friend do have a chance to meet and catch up, it's like they never even left.
“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” - Linda Grayson
This lighthearted quote speaks less about what friendship means and more about how fun and lighthearted it can be. Friendship can be discussing your deepest fears and secrets, but it can also be as simple as bringing someone a chocolate to cheer them up.
"Some people arrive and make such a beautiful impact on your life, you can barely remember what life was like without them." - Anna Taylor
We all have certain people or events in our lives where we find it hard to fathom that there was a time when we didn't have them. A good friendship is a perfect example. If you look at your friend and imagine a bleak reality where you didn't meet them, then that's a good friendship.
"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." – Muhammad Ali
Friendship can be difficult to explain because it's a platonic, non-obligatory type of love. Some days, you're as close as Winne the Pooh and Piglet; other days, you may find yourself in awful, ugly disagreements. But through it all, friends want to be in each other's lives, and sometimes, it can be challenging to explain why.
"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This is perhaps the most important rule of all in friendship, and it's the most overlooked. Some people think friendship is a one-way street, but it's not. You can't expect a one-way friendship where one friend is putting in all the work. That friend will become frustrated and eventually give up on you. However, if the two of you both put in the effort, the friendship will last a long time.
Cultivating healthy relationships with online therapy
And those are just a few quotes about friendship. Good friends will be there to the end. You can vent to them like they're your counselor, they'll be there when you need it the most, and you're accepting of their differences no matter what. Who are your friends? Do you have friendships that have lasted a lifetime? Do you have friendships that ended for no good reason? Everyone's friendship is different, no matter what.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What have notable thinkers said about friendship over the years?
Whether you're looking for friendship quotes for a best friend, friendship quotes that show the meaning of a true friend, or friendship quotes that can be used for any other purposes, there are a ton of great friendship quotes out there.
The best quotes about friendship from Ralph Waldo Emerson and others
Here are some excellent friendship quotes to choose from:
"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." - Mohammed Ali
"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." - Eleanor Roosevelt
"True friends are always together in spirit." - L.M. Montgomery
"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"True friends are like diamonds; bright, beautiful, valuable, and always in style." - Nicole Richie
"Sometimes, being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over." - Gloria Naylor
"True friends are never apart; maybe in distance, but never in heart." - Helen Keller
"A single rose can be my garden; a single friend my world." - Leo Buscaglia
"One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood." - Seneca
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." - Anais Nin
What is the best message for a friend?
You can use friendship quotes such as the friendship quotes above or the friendship quotes in this article. As an alternative to friendship quotes, you might write a heartfelt message to a special friend or best friend to tell them how much they mean to you. Point out their good qualities in the message and be specific about the things you appreciate about personalizing the message and making it special.
What is friendship in simple words?
One way to define friendship in simple words is to use the dictionary definition of friendship. The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of the word friendship is: "the state of being friends." Some people also use friendship quotes to define friendship in a simplistic way.
Quotes that define friendship
Friendship quotes that define friendship in a simple, concise way may include:
"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are, and then wait to hear the answer." - Ed Cunningham
"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." - Elisabeth Foley
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." - Bernard Meltzer
"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." - Thomas Aquinas
"Friends get you through bad times and help you enjoy the good times." - C. Warner
Who are your BFF quotes?
Having a best friend is truly special. It's important to remind your best friend how much they mean to you.
Best friends quotes
Here are some friendship quotes for best friends or best friends forever:
"Best friends don't necessarily have to talk every day. They don't even need to talk for weeks. But when they do, it's like they never stopped talking." - Author Unknown
"How about 'diamonds are a girl's best friends'? Nope. It should be switched around and pointed out, instead, that your best friends are diamonds." - Gina Barreca
"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." - Elbert Hubbard
"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." - Henry Ford
"Best friend: the one that you can be mad at only for a short period of time because you have important stuff to tell them." - Author Unknown
"A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out." - Grace Pulpit
What are some quotes about true friends?
True friends are the ones who stand by us through thick and thin, offering support, laughter, and understanding when we need it most. They are the people who accept us for who we are and help us become the best versions of ourselves. Here are some quotes that beautifully capture the essence of true friendship and what it means to have a genuine friend by your side.
True friends quotes
Here are some friendship quotes about what makes a good friend:
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." - Walter Winchell
"Close friends are truly life's treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. Their presence reminds us that we are never really alone." - Vincent Van Gogh
"It's the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter." - Marlene Dietrich
"True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable." - David Tyson
"A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." - William Shakespeare
"A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down." - Arnold H. Glasow
What makes a good friendship?
A good friendship is one with mutual respect. Part of the managing of friendship is making sure that you are good to each other. No matter how long you've known a person, even if they are your best friend, make sure to check in about things like how you can support them and how they feel rather than making assumptions. As many of the friendship quotes on this page allude to, a good friendship is where you are there for each other. Understanding is an ongoing effort because people are always changing and evolving. Communication is essential in a friendship, as are positive intentions, listening, acceptance, love, and being a person who is uplifting and appreciative toward your friend.
How do you express friendship?
There are a number of ways that you can express friendship. Friendship quotes are only one way to express friendship. If you're talking to your best friends and true friends, they would typically be people you have known for a while. When talking to best friends and true friends, you can get deeper than you would with someone you just met. Let them know how much they mean to you and what you like about them specifically.
How to express appreciation for a friend
Don't just say that you appreciate them; instead, let your true friends and best friends know exactly what it is that you admire and like about them. Don't make assumptions about a best friend or true friend just because you've known them for a long time, and never take true friends and best friends for granted. Do not forget to give true friends and best friends the gift of kindness and being there for them when they need you. Perhaps most importantly, don't assume that a friend, whether a best friend or someone you've been friends with for a long time, knows how much you care about them. Tell them verbally, even if you are certain that your true friends and best friends know how much they mean to you.
How do I inspire my friend?
Across the board, the best way to inspire a friend is to lift them. Be a light in their life, be there to listen, and compliment their positive traits. When you do this, you're showing your friends that they matter to you, that they are worthy, and that you believe in them. If you want to inspire a friend to do something, in particular, make sure it's something they want. For example, if your friend says that they want to be a doctor but that they aren't sure if they can get through all of the schooling, tell them that you believe in them and that they can do it. On the other hand, if you want to inspire them to do something that you or someone else thinks they should do, take it as an opportunity to step back. Ask them what makes them feel good about themselves and tell them about the good you see in them as they are. When people see themselves in a positive light, they're more likely to feel inspired and believe in themselves. Know that you won't always be able to do it all for a friend; sometimes, they'll need a listening ear rather than someone to fix the problem or inspire them. Be supportive and uplifting to be the best friend you can be.
What is a good quote about friendship?
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." - Walter Winchell. This quote captures the true essence of friendship—being there when times are tough and everyone else has left.
What are some quotes about why friends are important in life?
"Close friends are truly life's treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves." - Vincent Van Gogh.
Friends are the ones who see us for who we truly are, support us without judgment, and make life's journey richer.
"Friends are the family we choose for ourselves." - Anonymous
This reminds us that friends give us love and support by choice, making those connections even more special.
What is the value of friendship?
Friendship brings joy, emotional support, and a sense of belonging. True friends are there to celebrate our wins and lift us up during difficult times. They help us navigate life's challenges and remind us we don’t have to face them alone.
What words define a friend?
Supportive, caring, trustworthy, loyal, and understanding. A friend is someone who stands by you without expecting anything in return, someone who values your happiness.
Other commonly asked questions
How do you describe a friend?
A friend is someone who accepts you as you are, stands by you during tough times, and brings out the best in you. They listen when you need to talk, celebrate your wins, and remind you of your worth when you forget it.
What is a best friend in one word?
Unconditional. A best friend offers unwavering support and love, no matter the circumstances.
What is a good caption for a group of friends?
"Surround yourself with people who make you laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter, and live a little better." This captures the magic of a good group of friends who uplift each other and bring joy to every moment spent together.
- Previous Article
- Next Article