Imagine a person you see every day. Some days you see them briefly, only exchanging a smile or wave. Other days, you sit down together and talk for a few minutes or an hour. Both of you laugh and discuss your lives. You're familiar with them, but that's it.
The conversation is over and you move on to a friend's room or drive off with a group going to the beach at midnight. In that group are people you make time to hang out with, but even then there may only be one you consider a friend.
The word acquaintance isn't used very often; It's an awkward word with a negative connotation. An acquaintance seems like the person you awkwardly talk to at Taco Bell whenever you show up at 2 A.M., or the coworker who always brings up the weather. Yeah Ron, it sure is hot.
I don't have "Facebook Acquaintances" and I don't tell people that I spent the weekend with my acquaintances. I'll call them friends. That's what I say, but honestly, I only have a handful of real friends. That's fine. As an introvert, I'm selective with people. Who do I expend my energy on and who do I feel comfortable being honest with? Acquaintances are the people I enjoy spending time with, but friends are the people I trust.
The modern definition of friend is tied to the extrovert's broad definition and social media's attempt to classify anyone you know as a friend. If Facebook were right, my uncle, coworker, 3rd grade teacher, and Brad Pitt are my friends. I don't talk to these people, I don't know what happens in their lives, and I certainly don't feel comfortable telling them about my struggles or asking for help in tight situations. I wouldn't really consider many of these people acquaintances either. The "Facebook Friend" is often a very superficial relationship, but one that could develop.
Introverts aren't delicate creatures who are too shy to socialize and too scared to make relationships. We're picky, but not like children with their food. We're like hermit crabs choosing a new shell. We need something comfortable and with enough room to grow. I don't give away friendship like I give my name, it's a precious bond that I develop through time and experience. Introverts aren't the only people who have this kind of relationship, but we're more satisfied with these relationships than acquaintances.
College allows me time with people, which is why I have more friends now than ever before in my life. However, the frequent unplanned interactions I have with people aren't enough to necessitate friendship. My acquaintances are like situational friends who cease to be friends once I'm out of college. If they graduated, our only interactions would be through "Liked" Facebook posts. I miss our personal interactions, but I don't feel betrayed or surprised.
An acquaintance is oftentimes a shallow relationship that has the potential to go deeper. You feel comfortable with them, but they don't have the depth of intimacy and trust given to friends. If you're revealing your emotions, you may reveal disappointment or irritation, but nothing as serious as depression. Friends remain steady despite distance and often initiate
Deep communication, can retain friendship despite distance, sacrifice personal interest for you, there in time of need, enjoy spending time alone together.
1. Friends are those with whom you share a deeper level of interaction.
2. Friends have all out support for your interests and happiness, unlike acquaintances.
3. Friends don’t do one-sided favors, unlike acquaintances.
4. Friends like to hang out with you at a much more personal level, even at your own home.
A friend is someone you can be honest with and feel comfortable revealing your true self to, while an acquaintance is someone you enjoy spending time with, but don't necessarily.
I can't tell from the onset whether someone will become my friend, so I try to invest time into all of my situational friends. Unfortunately, this complicates my friendships. If I've already known people for a few months, I'm less likely to invest in them. That person I see every day could become a great friend, but I already dismissed them.
