Best Friends Forever (BFF)

By Robin Rhee

In 1693, William Penn wrote, "A true friend...advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably."

A very old children's ditty begins this way:

"Friendship, friendship,

What a perfect blendship.

When other friendships have been forgot,

Ours will ne’er be naught."

From the time youngsters have access to social media they send messages to their friends. Those with whom they walk to school, share classes, and play with after school become their friends. At some point they may even swear they will be BFF; however, they will learn over time that nothing lasts forever.

During high school early friendships begin to fray as students expend all of their time and energy studying for the college entrance exams. And the college years may bring an end to juvenile alliances due to different career paths.

Most adults claim they have many friends. Some are former classmates they see on occasion for lunch or class reunions. There are also golf buddies, drinking pals and co-workers.

Conversations with these folks are usually superficial.

Fortunate individuals may have one or two best friends over the course of a lifetime. These relationships are based upon absolute trust, for best friends share their hopes and dreams, successes and failures, as well as their most serious problems.

They know they will not be judged, nor will their conversations be shared with others. They will always be supported and respected by their BFF.

In these times of blatant contention between and among nations, are there items which define BFF relations which might be useful in diplomatic relations?

I think we can rule out absolute trust.

Internet leaks have shown that information, even if classified, may eventually be divulged by someone. And hackers continue to attempt to gain access to sensitive government files.

Some nations even refuse to meet or talk to each other.

National leaders of diverse political persuasions come and go.

So are there no possibilities for improving relations? Some say the only wise advice is to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. As strange as that sounds it may be worth considering.

The writer is a former weekly columnist for The Korea Times and currently resides in Centerville, Ohio. Write to RRKORAM@aol.com.