Hold a true friend with both hands - With Love from your Ancestors

African Proverb.

Hold tight to a true friend, hold on with both hands. True friends are hard to find, in today's day and age is one of the hardest things to find. In today's fast-paced and digitally interconnected world, the pursuit of genuine and meaningful friendships can indeed be a challenging task. True friends, those who stand by us through thick and thin, are like rare gems that need to be cherished and treasured. They provide us with a sense of belonging, support, and comfort that is unparalleled.

When you find a true friend, someone who understands you at your core, holds your secrets with care, and genuinely celebrates your successes, it is essential to hold on to them tightly. They become pillars of strength during times of adversity and sources of joy during moments of triumph.

The value of true friendship goes beyond mere convenience or casual companionship. It requires effort, understanding, and a willingness to invest time and energy in nurturing the bond. True friendships are built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect, creating a safe space for vulnerability and open communication.

Hold tight to a true friend, hold on with both hands.

When something bad happens, when we get sick or go through big disappointments or major loss, it is only natural to want someone to be there to help. True unconditional friendship is rare and hard to find so when you find your friendship soulmate, hold on to them with both hands.

In a world where superficial connections and virtual interactions have become prevalent, holding on to a true friend becomes even more crucial. Amidst the sea of acquaintances, a genuine friend stands out like a beacon of light, guiding and supporting us on our journey through life.

True friends enrich our lives in countless ways. They lend a listening ear when we need to vent, offer a shoulder to cry on when we are feeling down, and share in our moments of laughter and joy. With them, we feel understood, accepted, and loved for who we truly are.

While it may be challenging to find such authentic connections, it is essential not to lose hope. Just as we strive to be a true friend to others, we must also remain open to receiving friendship in return. It is through genuine interactions, empathy, and vulnerability that we foster lasting and meaningful friendships.

Friendship isn’t a big thing — it’s a million little things.

Friendships can be rooted in a number of different impulses. Unhealthy elements like need, the desire for borrowed status, and the wish for flattery are as common as the more healthy ones like mutual interests, sense of humor and natural compatibility.

In this digital age, where social media often portrays a filtered version of reality, it is crucial to prioritize real-life connections and nurture the relationships that bring us true happiness. Quality over quantity is the mantra when it comes to friendships, as it is far better to have a few trustworthy friends than numerous shallow acquaintances.

So, when you encounter a true friend, hold on with both hands. Cherish the bond, invest in its growth, and reciprocate the love and support they offer. True friendship is a precious gift that brings joy, comfort, and strength, making life's journey all the more beautiful and meaningful.

It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.

Part of a good friendship is honesty. Friends are precious, even irreplaceable, but they are also fragile. The nature of friendship changes and you to must change with it.

With Love from your Ancestors

African Recipes Organized by Meal Time

African Drinks & Beverages

Snacks & Appetizers

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Desserts

Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

A Legacy Resource, Recognized Worldwide

For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

Trusted by: Wikipedia • Emory University African Studies • University of Kansas • University of KwaZulu-Natal • MDPI Scholarly Journals.
Explore our archived collections → DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.