Describe a close friend.

You should say:
     Who the friend is.
     Where and when you first met.
     What you like about this friend.
    
Whether this person is popular with other people.

I’d like to talk about my best friend Brian. We’ve known each other since primary school and we have been best friends since then.

Well let me see I guess you could say he has many good qualities which is why he has been a big influence in my life. In my mind, the most important thing is I can always count on him to be there for me when I’m feeling a little down or I'm facing a difficult situation. He always lifts my spirits.

You know… he is not only kind-hearted and helpful, but also smart and a good laugh. He has such a great a sense of humour. We often hang-out together and we always have a good time. We have a lot of common ground because we are the same age and we both love playing and watching football and keeping up with the latest sports news in general. We usually go and have a drink together with other friends at least once a month as well.

He is also part of my main circle of friends and we all get on like a house on fire. We all really like Brian and I think he is one of those people that people just enjoy being around. He's also quite good looking so he’s also very popular with the girls.

I think I would really like to go travelling with him in the future, since I’m always a bit nervous about going to new places. I hope that we share some great experiences in the future and will always be best friends.

Part 3 Discussion Questions

What is the difference between the way that people make friends now and 20 years ago?

You know, I think the major difference is the way that technology, namely the internet, has changed the way we communicate and the way we make friends. Now people who have common ground can meet in chat rooms and join different clubs online. We live in a more globalised society, so it’s easier to meet people from other countries too and keep in touch with them online.

Has modern technology made us more anti-social? With children spending so much time on the internet and playing video games, has this harmed the way we communicate?

Well I think it has, to some degree. I think that a lot of kids are addicted to computer or online games these days, so they are not getting out and socialising. They definitely spend too much time sitting staring at a screen which I don’t think is entirely healthy. I mean, it does have an effect on their health, but yes definitely on the way they interact too in terms of developing their interpersonal skills.

Do you think that people of different age groups can become close friends?

Yes, I think so. You know friendship is really based on having things in common and having a good understanding of each other to develop a close bond. I mean if people are of the same age, I guess it’s more likely they will have similar points of view and interests though of course this is not necessarily always the case.

In your culture, when and where do people usually first meet their closest friends?

Well. In my country our closest friends are usually our old school friends from our childhood. It’s very usual for people’s circle of close friends to be former classmates from their local area whom they have grown up with. In work, people tend to be a little more distanced, but I think this is changing now.

How important do you think that networking is in modern society?

In my country, networking is everything. The expression “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”, really applies here. Networking or making connections really is an essential part of succeeding in your career or business. For example, a lot of business is done here while out socialising and having a drink.
 

Do you think it’s difficult to make friends when we are older?

Well. I don’t really think so. The only thing that might be difficult really perhaps is that you are not as active and it’s more difficult for the elderly to get out and about. I guess this means that it’s just difficult to get out and meet new people.  Being old does not necessarily mean you can’t make friends though. My professor is quite old and I have kept in touch with him and I see him as a valuable friend now. I can really benefit from his experience.