writing(Friendship):117
Some people choose friends who are different from themselves. Others choose friends who are similar to themselves. Compare the advantages of having friends who are different from you with the advantages of having friends who are similar to you. Which kind of friend do you prefer for yourself? Why?
One’s friends are bright treasures in one’s life. As concerned as for me, in general, most of my friends are similar to me, but some of the others are quite different from me. Then, what is the magic talisman urging us to walk close to communicate each other and ultimately be good friends?
With similar characters, people often go together for a conversation easily even without any effort. They attract each other naturally and communicate the similarly enthusiastic favorites unconsciously, which create mutual appreciation. Take it for example when I was ever wandering in a wonderful exhibition of Mayan culture in Shanghai Museum, I met a potential friend of mine. We involved into a friendship only after a mutually ardent debate on the origination of Maya in front of an item on display. Our friendship just stem from our worship for Mayan culture and the humanity history. If they are not both interested in the same thing and could share these experiences, it is difficult for an acquaintance to evolve into a friendship.
However, one person different from me may also become my good friend. Perhaps more understanding and patience would be needed in this kind of friendship, but we can learn more from the opposite person. For example, I usually recognized my shortcomings alongside of my friend, Wu, although we have very different interests and very different occupations. Certainly, her outstanding capability of dealing with relationship with others obtained my appreciation, which I am actually insufficient, while my optimism and diligence attracts her. Friends different from you, are more like a mirror which images something you lack of.
In conclusion, everyone, who is quite similar to you or very different from you, would become your close friend based on patience and understanding of each other. What we need to do is not to choose a friend, but form and keep a friendship. Otherwise, a friend ship you acquire accidentally would be lost casually before long.