The Ornaments of this House are the Friends who frequent it

You ask any teenager as to what is the most important thing in his life is – invariably the answer would be Friendship. The crucial age in one’s life is predominantly moulded and driven by the so called Friends. One would do anything for the Friend at that age.

I was conducting an interview of a fresher sometime back. During the interview process, the candidate politely asked me if I would like to consider the candidature of a friend of his as well. Such was the power and passion of friendship at that age. I wonder will he do the same thing, say after 5 years?

What changes? Is there a change in the Friendship or is it the feeling towards the friend that changes? Or is it the priority that changes? Or is the situation different? Or is it the Marriage?

Whatever be the situation, the Friend was the most important person in the life once upon a time? Why the change? Invariably this is a true phenomenon across different cultures and geographies. Yes, Things do change when a person approaches the thirties and it does take a different turn. But It is quite interesting to note as the person approaches his forties, while grappling with the midlife crises, he looks to connect with the old buddies. You would suddenly see some bursts of action and school reunions happening. It is a challenge to get people together. But it does happen to a reasonable amount of success. And you would find people with all types of emotions – nostalgia, indifference, Joy, Forward looking etc. Mixed reactions.

Once the guy is beyond the midlife crises, some friends do find a place again in their lives. That’s why probably they say Life begins at Forty!

That reminds me, as far as I could remember I was bought up at home with my dad proudly flaunting a nice little placard which said – “The Ornaments of this House are the Friends who frequent it”.

Indeed!

Perhaps – my dad was in his Forties then!