— CAPTAIN PICARD. CONSPIRACY. 41780.2

In an age defined by micro-genetic technology and distances measured in parsecs, genuine friendship is a rare commodity. Having a “relationship” doesn’t require it: We can be Starfleet crewmen, co-workers, fellow members of clubs and races and political alliances—even partners in marriage!—without being “friends.”

To be a friend means recognizing another person as a fellow voyager on a journey you have decided to take together. The journey is not so much a common path to a common destination; rather, it’s a mode of travel during which you pause regularly to share experiences, reflect on the obstacles and lessons, and encourage one another along the path each is taking. Even if they diverge.

But it’s more than tea and sympathy. There are risks. Because when a friend falls down, we hurt too. What’s more, we may see obstacles our friend can’t, or we’ll interpret the roadsigns differently. Our friendship comes to a crossroads: Should we intervene to keep our friend from stumbling? Or should we simply “be there” to help after they’ve fallen? Either choice is risky.

To take that risk is the price of preserving friendship. To make no choice is a roadsign that says, “Dead end.”

I will take risks to turn “relationships” into friendships, and keep existing friendships from turning into mere relationships. My friends are worth it.

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The above meditation is taken from Going Boldly on Your Inner Voyage © 1999-2004, IF Books.

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