Ode to Friendship

Today is Saint John's day. Saint John is the patron of friendship and namesake of many good friends in many countries (Jan, Jean, John, Johan, Hans, Juan, Giovanni, João, ..). In art, Saint John is recognisable as the 'youngest looking' apostle, with long hair and a slightly feminine touch. Legend has it that he was so loved by Jesus that he became the only apostle allowed to live until his old age.

December 27 is also an ideal day to reconnect with your friends. Friends are peers in whose company we like to stay. They know us and we know them. We don't have to wear masks. We accept them as they are and they accept us as we are. However, the differences can be very large. That way, good friends can often form very strong teams. But friendship is not there to deliver great achievements.

Colleagues can become friends, but it is only when they become friends that it is a relief to be among them. In friends we recognise ourselves. We sympathize with them in the event of success or setback. Friends can compete but know no jealousy. To true friends we grant every success.

We can tolerate more from friends, but at the same time we also dare to demand more from friends. True friendship gives and asks. Friendships are often intertwined life stories. This intertwining makes the life stories fascinating and beautiful. Friendship gives colour to life.

Picture: Hans Memling - Johannes op Patmos, This is a freely licensed work, as explained in the Definition of Free Cultural Works.