Philosophical Dialogue Letters: 'Is It Better to Have Many Friends? (Part 2)'

When we hear the word 'philosophy,' it can seem difficult, but I think it is actually surprisingly close to us. I want to take a moment to rethink things we take for granted. If there is a theme that interests you, why not think about it with me? Please post using '#PhilosophicalDialogueLetters'.

'Friends have an expiration date, you know.'

I was a little surprised when I was told that, but I also felt like I understood it somehow.

When life stages change, we somehow drift apart. When the environment we are in changes, the faces of the people around us are also completely renewed.

There was someone who seemed to have many 'friends'.

They would say, 'I'll introduce you,' and introduce me to people who run restaurants serving delicious food, people running businesses, yoga instructors, and so on. Even though I didn't ask to be introduced.

I thought they had many 'friends,' but that person would always say, 'I have an acquaintance who does such and such.' It seems they were 'acquaintances,' not 'friends'.

There was someone who suddenly stopped greeting me. I thought we were getting along well.
I didn't understand what it meant. Surprised by such an unnatural attitude, I asked them directly for the reason.

'Because I heard you were saying bad things about me.'

No, I didn't say that.

She was a woman who had many acquaintances. I found out that she wasn't just doing it to me, but was repeating 'I heard you said this about you!' to various people here and there. Moreover, it was different from the facts.

What are friends, anyway?


'I have been hurt by your words and actions many times. No reply is necessary.' I once received an email like that suddenly. I thought we were friends. We had been associated for many years. Something must have struck a chord. I didn't understand.

What are friends, anyway?

'I was asked, "Are we best friends?" and for a moment, I hesitated to answer, and then they stopped contacting me,' a person confided in me, and then laughed, saying, 'Keiko-chan, I think of you as a friend.' She is a 'friend' to me, too.

What are friends, anyway?

If possible, I don't want to say that 'they have an expiration date.' Because I believe that at that time, we were surely 'friends.' However, from now on, whether I like it or not, the faces surrounding me will continue to change.

I have many good memories, too.
Sometimes, every time I remember them, my heart aches a little.

I hope that the many 'friends' I have met until now are still doing well somewhere, in their own way. I feel like I am praying for them, just a little.

#PhilosophicalDialogue #Correspondence #OhagiAndKeiko #Friends #IsItBetterToHaveManyFriends #IHaveFewFriends