I grew up in China's cultural surroundings. Many people call others "friends" too easily, the definition is too ambiguous. In their thought, anyone with somewhat relationship is a "friend". Is that true?
Before I really realised this, I held similar viewpoint as those people. After living in New Zealand for approximately 1 year, I found who was my authentic friend. At that time I prepared to go back to my hometown to visit my relatives and former classmates, so I needed to deal with some of my big private things, including my motor vehicle. I left the vehicle to a friend couple who were from the same hometown as I did. About 2 weeks later, I received a call from them, saying a side window of my car was broken. They promised that I could park the car in the yard, so I consigned it to them. However, they said the accident happened in the street because mine was parked on roadside! I did not complain, and asked them for help only. I hoped them have it fixed beforehand and I would pay the cost back to them, otherwise that damage could bring trouble when I came back here. Surprisingly they declined, what the hell is the reason? They told me they did not have enough money to do so! Later anyhow I repaired it all by myself, paying fee to find a garage from mainland China, with effort. Several months later, another friend told me that couple bought and ran a dairy near Christchurch worth NZ$100,000. They didn't have enough money?! They could afford large amount to invest instead of lending me $150 to re-install a window! Give me a hand, friends, I need help!
In Cambridge Dictionary, a friend is:
1) a person whom you know well and whom you like a lot, but who is usually not a member of your family;
2) someone who is not an enemy and whom you can trust.
Obviously, not every acquaintance is your friend. Only trust those who can provide aids when you do need, abandon those who can only enjoy happy hours with you.
Someone may think that all acquaintances are precious. I agree. But don't say they are all your precious friends. Most acquaitances will be pedestrians or even strangers finally. Treasure those limited who could accompany us all along.
