Reflection #6

Reflection #6

            In my life, I feel like I have many different types of friendships. I would have to say most of my friendships fall under the utility and pleasure categories. The friends I have from school, sports, and my community are going to fall under the friendship of utility aspect. They would be in this category, because we are both doing something for each other and receiving a benefit for it. Although I grouped these groups together, they are in different in ways that I do things for my close friends that I would not do for friends from my community or friends I do not see on a daily basis. My friendship with my parents and my girlfriend would be more of the friendship of pleasure. This is because in these friendships are not based on activities, but enjoying one’s company. In my life, I could see a few of my friendships becoming a friendship of virtue. The friendship with my parents is growing closer to a virtues friendship, because I do things for them because I have the want and desire to complete their needs without expecting anything in return. The friendship with my girlfriend will eventually become a friendship of virtue when we get married, because we will be equal with each other and committed to something good. I feel like when I go out of the way for my family and my closest friends, I myself get enjoyment out of it because of what I am doing but I never expect anything in return. To me, in order for virtue to happen I feel that two people must have a lot of respect, trust, and love between each other. The friendship must build in a way that there is a connection in a certain and special way in which nothing can damage them from doing things for one another.

Growing up, my parents raised me that certain things were bad and to stay away from those people that are doing those things. As I continued to grow up, I continued to take their advice and I began to make it my own guidelines to follow in life. I was also raised in a Catholic family, so I was also raised with certain beliefs and values towards different things. This combination of things is what makes up my core beliefs and values in life. One time I can remember when one of my beliefs was put into question was when I was about 12. Growing up, my parents always told me to stay away from alcohol and to never get involved with it until I was old enough to handle it. I was at a party with my parents one time and one of my dad’s friends asked me if I wanted a beer. I immediately in my head said no, but my instead of saying no I hesitated and then asked my dad. My dad told me it was fine, so I decided to drink the beer. After drinking it, I was confused because my parents did not wanting me to get involved with alcohol. After drinking it, I talked with my parents in order for me to deal with it and get passed the awkwardness of the situation. Another memory I have, I made the decision based on my friend. When I was in middle school, I walked home with my friend even though both of our parents did not want us to ever walk home at our age. I never took the time to think of the consequences, I just made the decision based on emotion and wanting to go home. After our moms found us walking home, we both got grounded for 2 weeks. Decisions in life are very important and if not thought through can lead to something unexpected.