Friendship

In English we have the words "friend" and "acquaintance," but I have to admit I would be more likely to use the world friend to describe someone I know. The word acquaintance sounds so old-fashioned, and somehow, impolite. In German, however, the distinction between a "Bekannte" and a "Freund" is often made.

What is the difference between the two? Until I started traveling to Germany, I didn't really think there was one. I assumed that the people I spend time with at home are my friends. I've since discovered otherwise. In Germany, a "Bekannte," or acquaintance is a person that you know. You may have worked with them, gone to school with them, they are a friend of a friend, etc. You may go out with them, enjoy their company, etc. But the defining point is: you don't go beyond the surface. You don't talk with them about your problems or concerns, your embarrassing moments, your happy ones. You don't call them when you need help, and they don't call you.

I am starting to think acquaintances can be good if you take them for what you are, but I would rather have a handful of good friends than a million acquaintances. My truest of friends is my best friend, Charlotte. She knows everything about me and I go to her when I need help.

I tend to think there are less deep friendships in America, and I don't believe it's because we are superficial. There is just this idea in America that by asking for help, you're weak. We also want to be polite and don't want to bother our friends. I think this is what leads to Americans going to therapy, so they can finally talk to someone about their lives. I'm not saying I share everything with even my best friend-because I don't. But I do share a lot...