Understanding Friendship: From Strangers to Lovers
Friendship is one of the most beautiful gifts of life, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. Too often, we use the word friend loosely calling everyone we meet a “friend,” when in truth, not all relationships fit into that category. To avoid confusion and build healthier connections, it’s important to understand the different stages of human relationships: strangers, acquaintances, intimate friends, and lovers. Strangers A stranger is someone with whom we share no real connection. Both parties know little to nothing about each other. You might see someone on the street, at work, or in your neighborhood and recognize their face, but without deeper knowledge or interaction, they remain a stranger. Sometimes, partial strangers exist—people we may have heard of or seen around but still don’t truly know. Recognizing this distinction keeps us from assuming closeness where none exists. Acquaintances An acquaintance is a step above a stranger. At this stage, both parties know each ot...