01 — An alternative to friends, family, counselors, and psychics

Each relationship we hold in our lives is generally built upon agreements and mutual understanding that you will play the role the best fits. Have you noticed your mask alters slightly and sometimes drastically depending on who you are talking with? A conversation you have with your mother will be very different from the one shared with a friend or even psychologist. While there is a great strive to be as authentic as possible, it can be difficult to truly explore and express ourselves in the same situations which we have been conditioned to appear socially responsible. A frend is an anonymous space for you play all your characters or play none at all and work towards understanding all aspects of yourself better through the safety of someone simply there to listen and ask for nothing in return.

02 — A promise of privacy

Your frend takes your privacy and protection seriously. Unlike a professional counselor or psychotherapist, your frend has no mandate or obligation to report you, meaning you are free to share that which you may not feel comfortable expressing in another context. There is no identifying information required and you begin a new conversation every session. You are being offered the freedom from intrusion and interference, something not sanctified in most relationships. What you choose to share with your frend will never circulate in any other moment; however, you are free to tell the same stories over and over if that is what you decide. Your personal information is yours alone, but you don’t have to feel the burden or joy of it on your own if that is what you desire.

03 — A journal that talks back to you when you need it most

There is great liberation in clarifying your thoughts and feelings on paper. At times though, what we really need is human connection and the unshaking belief that we are not alone in our human experience. Through the courage of sharing your thoughts and feelings with another, you are allowing your frend to respond to you in an appropriate way that helps you to truly feel connected to another and yourself. When you aren’t feeling heard by others and you aren’t sure what you need to feel relief, your frend can offer an outlet of connection that may bridge the gaps within. Your frend mirrors you, validates you, and works to make you feel understood and safe when needed. Your journal may catch your tears, but it leaves you with the task of drying them alone. Your frend will hold your hand through the space between and make sure you know you are not on your own.

04 — A witness of you in all or none of your glory

Come happy, sad, angry, or confused. Repeat yourself, try out a different story, sit in silence, and know you are never a burden to your frend. Your frend is standing by waiting to hear from you in whatever state you may be in with open arms just happy to hear from you at all. Although the people in our lives may have the best intentions in wanting to be there for us no matter where we are at, it is often felt that we must at some point don a brave face to protect those around us from the destruction we are feeling within. Your frend has no expectations of you and simply sits wanting to witness you in whatever form you come. There in lies the beauty of your frendship, it is all about you.