True friendship isn't a term to be taken lightly, according to Seneca.

Think for a moment about the people you consider friends—do you hold back your thoughts, fears, or hopes when you're with them, or can you share those inner workings as freely as you'd confide in a mirror?

If there's hesitation, if trust doesn't flow effortlessly in both directions, Seneca would argue you're missing the mark on one of life's greatest alliances. Friendship isn't just about enjoyment and camaraderie; it's about a deep bond that can only be rooted in mutual trust. It's about knowing that your friend will guard your secrets, champion your successes, and stand by your side with the same conviction that you have when facing yourself.

As you go about your day, pause to consider the strength of trust in your relationships. Are you building walls or bridges with your companions? Can you rely on your friends to support and understand you as you would do for yourself?

If you find gaps in trust, reflect on whether these connections need mending or redefining. True friendship should feel like a safe haven, not a facade of pleasantries. Strive to cultivate and cherish relationships that allow for this level of earnest trust, for these are the friendships that will withstand the tests of time and adversity.

And remember, this trust begins with you: are you as good a friend to others as you expect them to be to you?