Today, a friend from Japan came for a visit. We went to grad school together and since then, we've continued to keep in touch even with our different schedules. After all these years, we are still friends. And for that, I’m grateful.

It’s interesting how friendship is formed and developed.

Just the other day, my students and I talked about friendship and we discussed some questions like "Who are they friends with?" "How did they meet?" "Are they friends with everybody?" and other relevant questions. One student says that a friendly communication and relationship is established if the other person is also receptive, that some people are just really friendly without necessarily focusing on the people they’re with, and that it’s nice to be friends with people regardless of age, philosophy, and nationality. All points taken.

"Dinner’s out." A line from a movie I saw. It’s only a movie but I thought it conveys an important definition of the word "loyalty" and the phrase "For old time’s sake." One of the main characters goes out of his way to save a former colleague from a serious life-threatening situation. He still remembers his colleague even after being apart for some time.

Friendship is a choice. I think that my friend and I decided to form a friendship right from the beginning. We were not conscious about it; the ambiance and the camaraderie just took place naturally in the course of our regular meetings. And as time progressed, it became stronger and special. My friendship with people I call "friends" are like that.

Time is also the essence. If friendship can withstand passing years even if one is occupied with work and married life, then there’s no question. It surely helps to give Time a chance. And if one permits, Time can work well on your side. Life is good with real friends! They’re precious like the "rose in Le Petit Prince."