What is the Value of a Friend?

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | May 28, 2017

No. 1,328

According to FIOS, its One Hundred Dollars! But, of course, you presumably get to keep the friend, even after you facilitated the purchase of a package of time-wasting, mind numbing TV that he didn’t need. Selfish? Perhaps.

But its not like you sold your friend into bondage for a Benjamin.

“Thanks for breakfast,” my friend said. “You’re welcome, but I really wasn’t buying food,” I replied. “I am buying conversation.”

Friendship is not purchased on the open market, like bacon and eggs. But it does cost something. Fortunately, we pay for it on the installment plan, primarily with our time.  It is impossible to gain a friendship without investing time.  That’s lucky, because its a currency we all happen to have on hand.

Many of our best and strongest friendships happened by chance.  In school, in the military service, in the neighborhood.  I heard the story (possibly apocryphal) about two men who met when they had an automobile accident with each other and ended up as business partners.  According to the story, they both had the bad habit of reading the newspaper while driving.  This was long before the advent of texting.

A few of my friends have become clients.  But many more of my clients, people who were strangers when I took their case, have become good friends.  Its the most natural thing in the world and I am sure all other lawyers have had the same experience. After all, you’ve been through a lot together.

I read that personal relationships, friendships, are one of the keys to happiness and even longevity.  Not surprising, is it?

But what about making money through friendship?  Well, consider what my boss of many years ago, L. Robert Kimball, a pioneer in marketing of professional services once told me.  “First  they must be your friend.”

What’s the value of a friend?  Everything.

CLT

Welcome

CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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