"He removes the greatest ornament of friendship, who takes away from it respect."

When you think about friendship, what comes to mind? Probably a good laugh, shared experiences, and someone to lean on when life's a mess. But there's something deeper, something that holds all those pieces together: respect. If you strip respect away, you’re left with something hollow—just a shadow of what a real friendship should be.

Respect is like the glue in any relationship. It's what makes you consider your friend's feelings before you act, what stops you from saying something hurtful just because you're having a bad day. Imagine you've got a friend who's always late, never listens when you speak, or constantly cancels plans at the last minute. How long would you stick around? Probably not long, right? That’s because the respect isn’t there. Without it, the friendship starts to feel like a one-way street—draining and disappointing.

This idea isn't new. Throughout history, respect has been seen as a cornerstone of meaningful relationships. Think about the ancient philosophers like Aristotle. They talked a lot about friendship, and guess what? Respect was always a big part of it. They believed that a true friend is someone who values you as much as they value themselves. It’s that mutual admiration that keeps the bond strong.

Let’s dive into a real-life example to bring this home. Imagine you’ve got a friend named Sarah. You guys have been close since college. You’ve shared so much—late-night study sessions, heartbreaks, job worries. One day, Sarah needs a big favor: she’s moving to a new apartment and asks for your help. You’ve got a busy weekend planned, but you shuffle things around because, hey, it's Sarah, and she’d do the same for you. But then, you find out she didn’t think to tell you she was just moving a few blocks away, not across town. And she didn’t even offer to buy you pizza or thank you properly afterward. That stings, right? It's not that you wanted a reward, but a little appreciation goes a long way. What’s missing here? Respect. Sarah took your help for granted, and it’s that lack of respect that leaves a sour taste in your mouth.

So, how do you make sure you’re not the Sarah in your friendships? Start by genuinely appreciating your friends. Show up on time, listen when they talk, and be there when they need a hand. Little things matter. A quick “thank you” or “I appreciate it” can make a world of difference. Also, set boundaries. Respect goes both ways, so it's important your friends treat you well too. If they don’t, it’s okay to step back and reevaluate the relationship.

Here's a relatable story: Think about a Sunday brunch with your bestie, Alex. You’ve been talking about it all week. You get there and realize Alex has invited a bunch of other people without telling you. You feel sidelined, like your time and plans weren’t important. You bring it up, and Alex genuinely apologizes, explaining they thought you’d enjoy the surprise. They promise to check with you next time. Now, that’s respect in action—acknowledging the issue and making sure it doesn’t happen again.

In friendships, respect is the secret sauce. It’s what makes the bond strong and keeps the relationship balanced. So, next time you’re hanging out with a friend, think about how you can show them respect. It might be as simple as really listening or saying thanks. Those little things add up and, in the end, they make all the difference.