Philosophical friends are interesting to talk to because they make a lot of sense. But they are hard to find. I can count them with one hand.
That is not to say that the world is filled with shallow people, though. Or that most of my friends are shallow. Not at all!
I know that we engage in deep talks only with those we are comfortable with. Maybe most of my friends are not comfortable with me.
People may feel uncomfortable around friends because of the fear of criticism, hidden conflicts, or differences in interests.
You are here. Why? Is it because you haven’t had any philosophical friends, and you wonder what it is like to have them?
Philosophy is basically the love of wisdom. Given that definition, they will help you discover your deeper purpose and see the side of life we overlook.
On Having Philosophical Friends
Anyone who likes philosophy likes deep conversations, so to get their attention, say something like, “The end of the world is near.”
They will either ask why you think the world is about to end, or they may agree and then talk about the global issues that could end the world.
Actually, you can talk about anything with them, even anything personal and offensive, like how stinky you think they are.
They may not be offended and instead say, “Being stinky is human nature, and we get desensitized to our own odor as we repeatedly smell it. I didn’t know I stink, so thanks for letting me know. I will be back.”
So calm and level-headed, right? That is why they are great to be with!
Introspective
Many of those who like philosophy are introspective, so they often need time alone to process their thoughts.
This can look like withdrawal, but it is how they recharge.
Give them that space. When they return, they will bring new insights and be ready to deal with even the weirdest topics.
Stable
Do you want to be surrounded by calm people? They stay calm even during the most emotional moments!
I remember a meme I saw on Facebook when I was in college.
Someone got into an accident, and then one woman said, “Call a doctor!”
A doctor approached her and did nothing. She asked why, and the doctor said, “We will all die.” Turns out that he is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)!
According to BMJ, the word “doctor” comes from the Latin “docere,” which means “to teach.” PhD holders are doctors!
So, they may seem emotionally detached because of their deep understanding of humans and the world, and even the mystical stuff.
But their calmness helps you deal with things calmly, too!
Attentive
Even if you don’t say anything, they will eventually know. They notice everything and figure out what is up, quietly.
You will learn to better manage your emotions if you have them as friends, as they will offer advice even before you tell them what bothers you.
By the time you are ready to open up, the issue has been fixed, thanks to them.
Compassionate
They know how the world works, so they are highly empathetic. They understand your hidden motivations and don’t judge you for them.
If you admit to the most disturbing thing you did, they will not be shocked. You will be shocked because they didn’t.
Helpful
Instead of telling you what to do, they will suggest ideas and may send resources to help you think through your struggles.
They trust you to decide what fits, as you know yourself better than they do.
Later, they check in to see what helped. If nothing works and you need further support, they will do so until you find your own way forward.
Loving
They are deeply present and attentive. They remember the little things and show up when it matters.
Deep friendships are connections built on trust and honesty.
They are deep, right? That depth is observed in friendship, too.
They see it as a shared search for meaning. They want you to grow with them and feel supported by them, through thick and thin.
Philosophical Friends Help You Live Meaningfully
If you are not ready to fix your issues and don’t like it when others interfere in your decisions, you will not like them as friends.
But they will not take it seriously when you cut them off.
They understand where you are coming from and know that you may want to reconnect sometime in the future, so they will keep the door open.
Then, they will inspire you to be understanding of others, too, and forgive those who may have done you wrong or disappointed you.
