10/03/25 – FRIENDSHIPS are one of the most important facets of our identity. Think back over every major milestone, every great memory in your life, and chances are your FRIENDS were a part. Think back to the toughest and most challenging times of your life. Your FRIENDS were most likely there too, providing gentle encouragement and affirmation.

Our identity is intertwined with our FRIENDSHIPS much more than we think. We’ve probably caught ourselves sharing similar phrases, mannerisms, and even laughing styles as our FRIENDS. At the very least, we’ve spent a significant amount of time making memories with FRIENDS, sharing mutual experiences, deep-down thoughts, and hopeful dreams.

Throughout history, great thinkers have emphasised the importance of authentic FRIENDSHIP for a healthy and fulfilling life, and it’s not difficult to see the truth in that. But unlike family, FRIENDSHIPS are chosen rather than given. With that, they can be more complex to maintain. While family will always be our kin, FRIENDSHIPS start and stop depending on many factors. They come and go, encompassing different moments and directions in our lives.

FRIENDSHIPS are tougher than they seem. As happy as we are with new FRIENDS entering our lives, there are also times when FRIENDS change, for better or for worse.

But that’s the unquantifiable beauty of FRIENDSHIPS. Each moment of a FRIENDSHIP comes and goes, but it remains suspended in our identities, making us who we are today. And with each passing second of a FRIENDSHIP, there’s the potential to continue to grow and develop that FRIENDSHIP, even in the face of changing life circumstances.

GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for over 140 years and this year will see the opening of FRIENDSHIP CENTRAL, our new ‘home’ in the Swan Valley, dedicated to building on our past and expanding our vision to catalyse a FRIENDSHIP revolution – watch for more details on our socials or check www.gfsperth.com.au