OUT-GROWN FRIENDSHIPS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19800, 27 May 1926, Page 7

OUT-GROWN FRIENDSHIPS.

(By Marie Stuart, in the Daily MaiL) Death and absence are not the only ways of losing friends. .We grow away from people, and often this is sadder than going away from them. There are friends who pass and friends who remain. Few come with us all the way. With some we travel to the cross-roads, and then, whether the farewell be conscious or unconscious, we turn in different directions. This does not prove disloyalty or failure on either side. We and they are in the grip of different tendencies, circumstances, social and spiritual laws. The currents of destiny bear us east and west. We out-grow friendships as we cut-grow clothes. Dr Johnston said: “If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life he will soon find himself left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendships in constant repair.” If one or two have grown with ns, and the years have welded us. we are blessed indeed. “If we find but one to whom we can speak out our heart freely, with whom we can walk in love and simplicity, without dissimulation, we have no ground of quarrel with the world or God.” One such friend in a lifetime to journey with us all the way —what a treasure beyond compare! I think that friendship between man and woman can only last when each brings to it fine qualities of mind and of heart. Friendship, which is a mere cover for flirtation or an avenue providing a convenient approach to a proposal, is only a pretence. Men do i rt always want to make love to women. Many a man honestly wants a woman comrade —someone to talk to—someone, also, with a more understanding ear, and with more patience than his brother man. And what a luxury it is to be ourselves, (mite naturally with just one human being! I Inve the school boy definition of a friend—“ One who knows all about you, and likes vou just the same.” To be admitted to the friendship of a man or woman of true culture, largeness of vision, and kindliness is the greatest privilege on earth.