Explaining "The only way to find a friend is to be one"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 24/10/2024, 21:35

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The only way to find a friend is to be one

This phrase means that in order to find true friendship, one must exhibit qualities of a good friend, such as kindness, empathy, and support. Being a friend to others encourages the formation of reciprocal and genuine friendships.

Tone

Encouraging

Origin

The phrase is often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th-century American essayist and philosopher, emphasizing the importance of mutual effort in forming genuine friendships.

Examples of usage

When John moved to a new city, he remembered that the only way to find a friend is to be one, so he started volunteering in the community to meet new people.
Lisa always keeps in mind that the only way to find a friend is to be one, so she makes an effort to reach out and help her classmates.
After hearing the advice that the only way to find a friend is to be one, Tim began reaching out more to his colleagues and offering his support.