I’ve always believed that life is a journey that, although lonely at times, becomes filled with light when we meet those people who, without expecting anything in return, choose to walk beside us. It’s curious how (almost inexplicably) "friends" seem to appear when we least expect them, and somehow.... somewhere... we find ourselves offering our time and trust to some people who are willing to share their path with us... but maybe not in the way we would like to.

I remember that, at certain points in my life, I let myself be carried away by the illusion of people who, although they promised me a good and loyal friendship, ended in something quite the opposite. Those relationships were like reflections in water: perfect at first, but fragile and brittle. (Somehow, those people were never quite what I needed (who knows?)... or we were just meant to be together for a specific time (?). I recall they were good for some time (I can't deny), but in the end, they just faded away—leaving a void that taught me to recognize the value of true bonds and to appreciate even more the time with others that we sometimes ignore.

Sometimes in life, we realize too late that we were waiting for something that never came. How many times did we believe that the person who laughed with us and who was there during the good and bad times (apparently), would also be the one to leave when things got tough?

Reality slowly reveals itself... Making clear that friendship is a continuing challenge... you are put into test until you both agree on taking the long way together, or perhaps some friends have got an expiration date? idk.

I remember, a "past" friend with whom I spent hours talking about everything. She seemed like the perfect companion—always kind, always willing to add memories together. When my life took a complicated turn, when sadness took hold of me and worries flooded in, she was there. In this initial scenario, I understood that true friendship is not just about celebrating sunny days, but about standing firm when everything seems clouded. Years passed by, experiences came over and both grew willing to listen to our experiences—like we were our personal therapists... we shared stories, asked for pieces of advice, and we gladly gave our time, our thoughts, our care to each other. But somewhere in between all these beautiful pages we wrote, something crashed... Might have been the time? might have been we needed to move forward? might have been someone -like a couple- who just came across our path? might have been the lies? might have been  that "an expiring date" reached us out? might have been that we just weren't what we used to be? At first, it hurt. Perhaps more than anything—not just the indifference about what we were facing, but also about the invested time and feelings we shared. Although it was hard to accept at first, it taught me that empty words cannot sustain a true friendship. Promises mean nothing if they aren’t backed by action.

Because, in the end, the people who truly stay are the ones who show you that, although words can be sweet and promises many, what really matters is the action. True friendship is not about empty expectations, but about genuine gestures—those moments when you realize that someone listens without judgment, supports you unconditionally, and cares without needing to say it aloud. It doesn’t matter if these people aren’t the ones who write the most or who are always physically present. What matters is that, when the time comes, when shadows grow longer or the road becomes uncertain, they’ll be there—offering a hand, a word, or simply a hug EVEN online.

I’ve learned that there’s something incredibly beautiful about trusting those who, from the very beginning, show up as they truly are—with honesty, without pretenses, without masks. These people, though rare, are the ones truly worth it (But they DO exist). They are the ones who, quietly and consistently, show you that even on the grayest days, friendship is a form of love that asks for nothing in return—only that you stay. And it is in these people that you find true refuge, the space to be yourself without filters or ornaments. You feel it in the way they look at you, listen to you, and remind you that you’re not alone. With them, you begin growing wings within, discovering strength and peace you didn’t know you had.

Of course, wounds also exist. Not all friendships are that simple or pure, and disappointments—though inevitable—are lessons that teach us to value what truly matters. But still, I have never stopped believing in sincere people—those who have the capacity to offer the best of themselves. They are the ones who help us grow. The ones who, even if time and circumstances drive us apart, remain present in some way, because the roots we planted with them are strong. And there will always be space in the heart for those who truly understand us.

In the end, true friendship is not measured by the number of friends you have, nor by how often they call you. It is measured in the depth of the moments shared, in the sincerity of the words and the moments, in the ease of being together without needing anything more than each other’s presence. And, above all, it is measured in the trust that grows and blossoms when you know you’ve found someone willing to walk with you—not just on sunny days, but also through the storms. Accepting that sometimes we might fail, but hey! Who has ever been in a relationship where failures were not part of it?

So today, I allow myself to be thankful—for all those people who have come into my life with pure intentions, for those friendships that still remain, even if I don’t see them often. EVEN for those who departed or run away... because you took part of my heart and time in moments when we both wanted it that way.

Now that I am in my 34s I can admit that there will always be space for those who genuinely deserve it. And to them, I owe not just my time, but my heart to keep and care about.