The Great Friendship Recession

Friends are disappearing from our lives and social circles are shrinking. We must leave phubbing aside and instead invest in friendships to stay healthy

- SHUTAPA PAUL

Have you noticed how "friendship" has lost its sheen? No more are we surrounded by "mujhsey dosti karogi?" (will you be my friend?) or "love is friendship" spiel. But there was a time, not so long ago, when movies, brand advertisements, songs, and Archies cards screamed from all corners about the importance of friendship. Were you even really pals without exchanging braided friendship bands or buying into the consumerism of "Friendship Day" in August? These years, the day comes and goes with a whimper. Which makes me think, in today's world, is friendship passé?