ETHNICITIES MONTH’S THOUGHT WHAT IS A FRIEND FOR YOU? BY: ABEL ARONATEGUI, B.A. It is true that we are all called to be fully happy, something that I consider achievable, despite the difficulties, frustrations, sufferings and other complex situations, and to achieve that dream of our heart, I consider that one of the most important complements in this process is friendship. There are many people who go through our lives, which may wish us the best and surely will leave us many lessons that in one way or another will help us to face life in different scenarios, however, there are others that remain, no matter if the years pass, the context, situation, distance, space, sacrifice, time, triumphs, failures, economic situation or diseases, there they are ... those last ones are your best friends. The main key to keep a friendship is understanding, is understand that each one has virtues and defects, is to understand that at some point in life we can make mistakes that affect us, that is why it is important that among friends we learn to reflect, value what we have lived and consider the lessons learned are to strengthen relationships, learn to forgive, learn to ask for forgiveness and continue to love. True friendships should be fundamental pillars in our lives, with them we can find what we need in when we are clear or in the middle of a confusion, they are those people with whom we can share much, little or nothing we have, are those who are not with you for convenience, they make you a wake-up call when you do something wrong, they always rejoice in your well-being, they look for what’s the best for you and without realizing it they are part of your life and yours and theirs. 3 4