The Siblings God Never Gave Us
“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
What does it mean to be a (good) friend? Why do we place more emphasis on romantic relationships or tend to attach more meaning to romantic relationships than friendships? How do friendships change and how can we maintain a connection if we are geographically apart from our friends or growing further apart as our lives are slowly – but inevitably - changing?
A shoulder to lean on (2024)
Daydreaming (2024)
Reminiscing (2024)
By your side (2024)
Ai and I have been friends for 13 years. She has always been my biggest support, no matter what happens. When I think of her, purity and curiosity come to mind. If I had to describe our friendship in 3 words, it would be: adventure, curiosity and love.
Asato:
Safe haven (2024)
Play - like we used to (2024)
Side by side (2024)
We've been friends since we were 15. I am 29 now and we still laugh about the same things. To me, friendship means adventure, support, comfort, connection and compassion. That’s why I can be silly, quiet, serious AND spontaneous with you. It’s almost like a connection from past lives.
You accept me as I am, every single version of me. You also know the person I used to be. This is what I appreciate most about our friendship.
Ai:
A sheltering tree (2024)
An embrace (2024)
Rest and reset (2024)
I've got your back (2024)
Ai, if I could relive a memory with you, it would be the after-school time in the classroom or our way to the train station before sunset because those were the moments when we shared each other’s dreams and when we imagined how fun it would be to work together in the future. And yes, now we are working together! Thank you for experiencing every season of life with me. Thank you for the happiness you bring me. Thank you for being my best friend!
Asato:
Looking back (2024)
My rock (2024)
Only way is up (2024)
Forever and ever (2024)
Asato, when I think of you, I think of your love for forgiveness for everything. If I could relive a memory with you it would be highschool, the time after our classes just singing Katy Perry. It was a truly lighthearted period of our lives, we didn’t have any worries.
I think acceptance, support and spiritual are the words that describe our friendship best.
Something I want you to know is… nothing. Because you already know everything.
Ai:
Seeing right through you (2024)
Happier with you (2024)
Friendship is…
a rearview mirror
a shoulder to lean on
the most important pillar in life
the backbone carrying you in sickness and
in health
a testimony to your past
the one who lifts the fog of your mind
cleaning murky waters
the gift that keeps on giving
a sheltering tree
a safe haven
an anchor that keeps you grounded
like a footnote that draws you in
and leaves you hungry for more
a three hour call
that hits home every time
especially when you are far away from
each other
chasing your bold, vivid dreams
giving it a shot
no matter how unrealistic it seems.
Friendship is the river that keeps you afloat
when you feel you might drown
it’s a compass that gives you a sense of purpose when you’ve lost direction and start to frown.
Friends are the siblings God never gave
you, your road to the future.
Ride or die (2024)