Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions

Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions

Samuel Johnson, a renowned English writer and critic, once famously said, “Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions.” This quote speaks to the delicate nature of relationships and the importance of maintaining regular communication and connection with those we care about.

Johnson understood the impact that distance and time apart can have on friendships. When friends are separated for extended periods, it can be easy for the bond between them to weaken and eventually fade away. Without regular interaction and shared experiences, the connection that once existed can become strained and eventually break. This is why Johnson emphasized the importance of staying in touch and making an effort to keep the friendship alive, even when physical distance separates friends.

On the other hand, Johnson also recognized that short intermissions can actually strengthen a friendship. When friends have the opportunity to miss each other and then come back together, it can reignite the spark and deepen the bond between them. These brief periods of separation can serve as a reminder of the value of the friendship and the joy that comes from spending time together. In this way, absence can make the heart grow fonder and enhance the connection between friends.