Sun, Dec 14, 2025 | Updated 8:50AM IST

Fam & Friends: Surviving & Thriving in Today's World

Times of Bennett | Updated: Mar 30, 2023 19:34
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By Ashish Agrawal

Family is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of our lives. From a very young age, we learn valuable life lessons from our family members that help us survive in this world. However, as we grow up, we start to build our own circle of friends, and they play an equally important role in our lives. In fact, they often teach us how to live our lives to the fullest.

In today's era, people do seem different from those in the 80s or 90s. There are many factors that contribute to this, such as advancements in technology, changes in societal norms, and a shift towards individualism. While some of these changes have been positive, others have led to a decline in the quality of our relationships.

When my father tells me about his friends from the 80s or 90s, he often describes them as being more loyal, trustworthy, and caring than the people he meets today. He speaks of how they would always be there for each other, no matter what. They shared a bond that went beyond superficial things like social status or material possessions.

Today, it seems like people are more focused on themselves and their own interests. Friendships are often based on convenience or shared interests, rather than genuine care for one another. It's not uncommon for people to have hundreds of "friends" on social media, but no one to turn to in times of need.

However, I don't think it's fair to generalize and say that everyone today is like this. There are still many people who value true friendship and strive to build deep and meaningful connections with others. It's just that these kinds of relationships may be harder to come by in a world that's increasingly focused on instant gratification and superficiality.

Ultimately, I believe that both family and friends play important roles in our lives. Our families teach us important values and help us develop into the people we are today. Meanwhile, our friends challenge us, support us, and teach us how to truly live our lives to the fullest. By building strong relationships with both our family and our friends, we can lead rich and fulfilling lives.