What is the true meaning of the word “friend?”
For most of us, we tend to choose friends who are a lot like us. We hang out with people who carry the same values and beliefs as our own. But, what if we branched out and began to cultivate friendships with people different from ourselves? Could that make a difference in the world we live in today?
Recently, my husband and I have made some new friends that we have grown to love dearly. Their teenage son and ours have been good friends for a while, and we love him like one of our own. Just over the last several months we have truly gotten to know his mom and future stepfather. It’s not that we didn’t want to know them before, the opportunity just hadn’t arisen.
They come from a different background than us, have opposite political views, and believe some things differently than we do. So, it would seem natural that we didn’t call each other regularly or hang out on Saturday nights.
That all changed when they offered to help us with a business venture we were starting. It was something they knew a lot about and wanted to offer us their expertise. This was beyond kind, and we graciously accepted the help.
Since then our friendship has grown to sharing multiple dinners together, our men putting together a set of bunk beds for them, and lots of talks about all kinds of important things. We talk almost daily through text or social media, offer advice on which Netflix shows to watch next, and even share personal trials and triumphs.
We truly care about each other, in spite of our differences. Their views on life help me see things in a different light, even if I don’t always agree. I’m extremely thankful for these new-found friends, and the differences they bring into my life.
The people at Heineken seem to share my sentiment. Their new #OpenYourWorld campaign is taking the world by surprise. It’s not what you would expect from a beer commercial.
This ad takes two people who disagree on important issues including feminism, transgender rights, and climate change. They get to know one another by working on a project, but their true identities and beliefs aren’t revealed until the end. Watch the video to find out what happens!
Featured Image via: avemario
