one of the tests of friendship – what’s happening in the world right now

One of the tests of friendship is what is happening in the world right now. Are you ready to continue a relationship with those you care about if they hold a different opinion on the current situation than yours? If you are not ready, then it's simple — your friendship is limited, conditional, incomplete. You can call it companionship, but nothing more.

True friendship is about respect, about a friend's right to have their own opinion on anything, about unconditional acceptance of them with all their baggage and quirks, about staying by their side in difficult times. It's about the freedom to be who you are when with them, and granting them the same freedom.

Everyone chooses for themselves what is more valuable — friendship or defending their own position, their rightness or opinion no matter what, especially on matters of principle.

Friendship is not always easy. And not always quick. Like family relationships, it is sometimes built over years. Friends don't lie around on the road, and not everyone is lucky enough to have true, loyal friends in this life.

So think carefully before breaking ties with people dear to you, simply because in this situation you might find yourselves in different camps.

Good luck in avoiding mistakes that could become irreparable for you. Politics is too dangerous and bloodthirsty a subject. Be careful and cherish your friends.

Arthur O'Harra.