Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it

"Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions." — Samuel Johnson

In the labyrinth of life, where the hearts of men are intertwined in a web of connection and separation, few bonds are as delicate, yet as profound, as friendship. Samuel Johnson speaks a truth as old as time itself: that the strength of friendship, like the passion of love, can be tested by time and distance. Long absence, when left unchecked, erodes the foundation of what once seemed unshakable. Yet, as the great poet Homer once knew, brief moments of separation—like the pauses between breaths—can allow friendship to grow, to strengthen, and to deepen, for in the absence, there is longing, and in longing, there is a rekindling of the connection that binds us.

Consider the words of Plato, who, in his dialogues, often reflected on the nature of companionship. In the company of friends, we find solace, understanding, and challenge. But even the greatest friendships, the most profound bonds of the soul, are not immune to the ravages of time. Absence, when stretched too long, leads not to growth but to a quiet drifting apart, as the river, when left undisturbed, stagnates. Friendship, like the most tender love, requires regular contact—it needs the warmth of shared moments, the spark of mutual understanding, to survive. Homer’s Odysseus, upon his return after years of absence, found that even the most loyal of hearts had been tested by time. The love he shared with Penelope, though unwavering, had been sorely tested by the long, aching distance between them.

Yet, Johnson's wisdom also speaks of a more subtle truth—that short intermissions of absence can, in fact, increase the strength of a bond. In moments of distance, hearts may yearn for one another, and in that yearning, the love and friendship between souls can be renewed. The return of a friend, after a brief separation, is often marked by a deeper appreciation, a clearer understanding of the value of the bond. It is as though the heart, after a brief absence, has been given the opportunity to realize what it has been missing. The beloved friend, having been apart, is once again seen not as a fixture, but as a treasure—something that cannot be taken for granted.

Look, then, to the example of David and Jonathan in the ancient texts. Their friendship was a bond of the deepest loyalty, tested by the tides of fate. For a time, the two were separated by circumstances beyond their control, yet their connection did not weaken. On the contrary, when they reunited, their friendship was renewed, stronger for the absence. Their story is one of true companionship, and it reminds us that the strength of friendship is not merely measured by the days spent together but by the quality of that time and the longing that absence can evoke.

The key, then, is understanding that absence is not an enemy of friendship but a potential tool—when handled wisely. Long absence can cause separation, leading to the erosion of a bond that once felt unbreakable. Yet, in the short intermissions, there is room for reflection, for growth, and for the realization of what is truly cherished. It is in the pause that we are reminded of the warmth we once shared, the joy we found in one another’s company, and the value of our connection. Johnson's words remind us that friendship is like a fire: it requires tending, but it can also be rekindled after a brief moment of coolness.

In your own life, take heed of this wisdom. Do not fear the moments of distance, for they are not the end of a friendship, but rather an opportunity for the heart to grow fonder, to remember the true meaning of companionship. Cherish those friendships that can withstand the test of time and distance, and be willing to invest in them when absence has made the heart grow heavy. At the same time, do not let long separations become the norm. Keep the fires of connection alive through regular and meaningful contact, and your friendships will endure, growing deeper with each moment shared.

In the grand journey of life, let friendship be a treasure that you nurture and protect. Like love, it must be watered regularly, but it also benefits from those times of absence that allow the heart to reflect and the soul to long. Friendship, in its most perfect form, is not just an easy companionship, but a bond that is tested by time, celebrated by short separations, and strengthened by return.