Trust and friendship

A lot can be written about trust and friendship. A lot has been said on this matter. I used to tell a friend way back in 1993 that there are many levels to friendship.

First is acquaintance. This is somebody whom you know but not well enough. You may know this person's name but not his personality. This is perhaps the most basic level of friendship.

Second in the friendship hierarchy is company. This is somebody whom you know quite well and you may enjoy this person's company from time to time. Yet, you still don't trust this person well enough to share your secrets.

Third is friend. This is a person whom you'd share your secrets with. In other words, a friend is somebody whom you trust.

Finally, is the highest level of friendship. I can't find the word for it in English, but I'll use the Arabic word which has been adapted in Malay - sahabat. A sahabat is somebody whom you'd trust your life with. A sahabat is also a person who weathers the storm with you, through thick and thin.

If you find a sahabat, take care of him/her. A good sahabat is few and far between.