Happiness Derived From Friends

Friends are like the colors in a painting each one adds a shade that makes the picture of our lives more beautiful and meaningful. No matter how independent or strong we think we are, there’s something about friendship that fills a void no other relationship can. Friends are the people who understand our silence, share our laughter, and sometimes cry with us when life gets too heavy. But then, the big question come do we really need friends to be happy? Can we live a fulfilling life without them?

[Image from me]

Happiness is a personal journey though, and people find it in different ways. Some draw joy from solitude, peace, and self-discovery. Others bloom best when surrounded by people who understand them deeply. But for most of us, friends act as mirrors reflecting our strengths, weaknesses, and truths back to us. They challenge us, comfort us, and remind us that we’re not alone in the journey of life.
Imagine waking up every day, going through your routines, facing your fears and successes, but having no one to share them with. You ace an exam, get a promotion, or just had the funniest thing happen to you yet there’s no one to call, no one to laugh with, no one to say, “I’m proud of you.” Slowly, joy starts to lose its taste because the essence of happiness often lies in sharing it. On the flip side, when we’re broken, confused, or weighed down, a friend’s presence can feel like medicine to a weary soul. Even a simple text saying “I’m here for you” can turn an awful day into a hopeful one.

This make me remember a friend of mine,we've been so close right from 100 level, reading together, praying together, and giving ourselves word of advice most often during family challenges and the fact that we were both Minister's children made our bond stronger. She would always message to check on me.
One fateful day during the semester break,I got involved into an accident, though she warned me not leave for home that evening,but I was so eager to, and then the incident happened. I couldn't count the number of times she called while was at the hospital,the countless times she messaged and call while I was recovery, funny part is she never stop encouraging me, sending notes and making me smile and happy again after being down and depressed. At that point I knew the important of friend towards one happiness.

A life without good friends can feel empty, no matter how comfortable or successful one becomes. It’s not about having hundreds of friends, but about having a few real ones those who see your scars and still stay; who know your flaws but never use them against you. Good friends remind us that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the bridge that connects one heart to another.
However, friendship is not always perfect. Sometimes, friends drift apart, misunderstandings arise, or betrayal sneaks in. These experiences can make people feel like friendship isn’t worth the pain. But even then, the value of true friendship outweighs the hurt of false ones. It teaches us lessons about trust, forgiveness, boundaries, and the importance of genuine connections.

In the end, while it’s possible to survive without friends, it’s nearly impossible to thrive without them. Life without friendship is like a song without rhythm or a garden without flowers functional, but not truly alive. Friends add meaning to moments, laughter to sadness, and strength to weakness. They don’t just make life easier; they make it worth living.

So yes, we need friends not because we can’t be happy alone, but because with them, happiness multiplies, pain divides, and life becomes a little more colorful.