To talk about friendship and friends—a lovely topic—I should first write a little about myself and why friendship has been so important in my life. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an introvert who doesn’t find it easy to talk to people, make friends, or connect with others. Over the years, as I’ve matured, I’ve learned to socialize so as not to isolate myself, but it’s not something I have a natural talent for. I'm not a social person; I generally don't feel comfortable with a lot of people around me. I tend to get nervous. I feel more at ease talking with just a few people.

Despite my personality, at every stage of my life I’ve found only a few friends who accepted and loved me just as I am, and who stood by me. In my childhood, my first friends were my sisters; except for my oldest sister, who was always outgoing, the three of us younger sisters were introverted, and we supported and understood each other—we were always together, playing. In elementary school, the other kids didn’t understand us; they teased us and excluded us—what they now call bullying. On one occasion, my older sisters and I took revenge on a girl who was physically abusing my youngest sister, who at the time was very skinny and quiet.

Precisely because I’m not a popular person—or someone who’s easy to get along with—I’ve always especially valued those friends who loved and supported me just as I am. That’s the first thing I value in a friend: that they love me and stand by me just as I am. On the other hand, there are different kinds of friends. I had friends when I was a student, but as time went on, we stopped seeing each other because we didn’t have many interests in common. But while we were studying together, they were good friends—we went out for hamburgers, went to the movies or concerts together, and they celebrated my birthday with me. I’ve also had friends much older than me with whom I had excellent conversations; they gave me great advice and supported me when I needed it. They’re a different kind of friend, and I really valued their advice and the way they shared their experience with me.

Another smaller group of friends has been by my side for many years. They’re the kind of friends with whom you feel a special connection—the ones who are there for you through thick and thin, who share your tastes and interests, and who show you affection. You might even go a while without seeing them, but when you do see them again, it’s as if no time has passed. And in addition to affection and support, I’ve found something in them that isn’t always easy to find: respect. That’s important to me. I don’t want anyone near me who disrespects me, who verbally or psychologically abuses me, who lies to me, or who treats me with hypocrisy—especially if they do so repeatedly. I experienced domestic violence during my childhood and adolescence, and I take a hard line on this issue. I deserve to be treated with affection and respect.

In closing, I’d like to say that I feel a deep sense of gratitude toward those friends who have been by my side throughout my life. I feel truly fortunate. Some of them offered me their affection and companionship at times when I didn’t even love myself. Some of them helped me gain confidence in myself. My oldest friend, Luis, I’ve known since elementary school; our friendship, naturally, has changed over time. There were times in our lives when we stopped seeing each other, because he moved abroad and I couldn’t afford to travel. But we’ve never stopped keeping in touch, and we’ve never stopped caring for each other. We reunited again in recent years. Just like other dear friends I left behind in Caracas when I came to Spain. We continue to stay in constant touch.

I love that chosen family—my good friends. That unconditional love that life has given me. I've spent many of happiest moments of my life with my friends. My current partner was first my friend. This can happen—close, meaningful relationships and friendships can turn into love. Friendship is a form of love. There’s something else I want to add: my friends are people I can trust, and trust is another important aspect of true friendship.

Since my native language is not English, I have had to rely on the Deepl.com platform to translate this article into English.