Defining True Friendship - By K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage

Written By: K.D.Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant essay "Defining True Friendship," K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage delves into the nuanced understanding of what it means to be a true friend. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this reflective piece explores the essence of friendship in a world increasingly dominated by technology. Through personal experiences, the author questions the nature of genuine human connections and reflects on the qualities that constitute true friendship.

About the Work

K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage's essay is a heartfelt exploration of friendship's core values. With a narrative style that blends personal anecdotes and philosophical inquiry, the author questions the authenticity of friendships formed under various circumstances. The essay emphasizes themes of trust, support, and the honest connections that withstand life's trials. The imagery of friendship as a mirror and safety net poignantly captures its multifaceted role in our lives.

Defining true Friendship

Original Submission by K.D.Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage

Defining true friendship

When I was little, I thought I knew all about friendship. I thought I had so many friends, that I could handpick them one by one to be my best friend. But all that changed in a single moment.

In grade 1, I had a best friend and I struggled to be in the same class as her. Gradually, my one friend became three friends, when I started attending classes and I went to classes with them. But a single moment and a little favoritism and recognition of teachers made my whole friend dream crumble into pieces. My vulnerability got the better of me.

I found out that some people call themselves friends only to take advantage of others, and they leave when we need them the most, shattering our whole world. Even though I continuously kept looking for friends, befriending them and having my heart torn apart, I still kept my heart and mind open, hoping that there really is something called friendship and that an angel would come to me. But what a fool I have been.

After my friends started ignoring me, another girl who had the same problem befriended me. We spent most of our time together and became what you may call the

‘best of friends’. In my mind she was ‘my best friend’, but I guess we have different versions of “best friends”. Although we became somewhat close, and began to call ourselves best friends, in reality all we had was another kind of friendship, but not the best kind.

Now I have come to the moment when I wonder what true friendship really means. Is it something which comes into being in a happy moment, or in a sad moment? Or is it something which one person gives another or is it something people share? Does it come into being miraculously or is it something we should make by ourselves? Is it something which takes effort to build, or something which arises suddenly out of nowhere and hits you in the face? Perhaps it is another place where we have to hide our inner person and wear another kind of mask called friendship. Well, friendship can be all these things as well as much, much more. True friendship is like a mirror that reflects your best qualities and it is a safety net that catches you when you fall. It is not about being available in one place, and not available in another. Nor is it something which makes us feel only happiness or sadness. True friendship stays with people in times of enjoyment as well as in crisis. It can make us lose ourselves in happiness and bring us out of our dark

depths. Most importantly true friendship doesn’t need a mask. True friendship exists between people who are true to themselves and are not afraid to remove their masks in front of one another. Also true friends have no jealousy or awkwardness between them. They are true to themselves as well as to the other.

In a sentence true friendship means, guidance, support, love and care. A true friend can play different roles in a person’s life. He can be a mother, a father, a mentor, a light in the darkness, an anchor at rough sea, and also just a companion. Friendship is not about finding the right person. Rather, it is the person who finds you in your most vulnerable situation. When a person is in great pain or sadness, the first person who shows him sympathy can become his best friend for life. But that person also can be a random enemy who has come to take advantage of your crisis. Therefore, when looking for a friend, don’t start looking everywhere. Just keep your eyes peeled and let the other make their way toward you.

Today, in a world increasingly influenced by AI and social media, genuine human connections are becoming more difficult to maintain. As technology occupies more of our lives, many people are forgetting the true meaning of

friendship. In a world dominated by AI people have forgotten how it feels like to have real friends. Therefore, we must keep our friendships true and close to our hearts. True friendship is one of life's greatest treasures. It cannot be bought, forced, or created overnight. It is built through trust, honesty, kindness, and unwavering support. If we protect these values, true friendship will never disappear from our world".

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the richness of the written word. This competition is a platform for writers worldwide to share their stories, poems, essays, and creative works. It aims to foster a global community of literary talent, encouraging participants to explore diverse themes and express their unique voices.

Thank you, K.D. Lakithi Liyanga Kumarage, for your insightful contribution, "Defining True Friendship," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your essay beautifully captures the essence of friendship, reminding us of the profound impact genuine connections have on our lives. We appreciate your thoughtful exploration of this timeless theme.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.