Perhaps it's this vulnerability that brings fear to our depths and closes us off from the communion of friendship. Love anything and your heart will certainly be wrung, possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping your heart , you must give your heart to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it up carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries, avoid all personal entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket of your selfishness.
Friends can be truthful with one another.
Even if, at times, it hurts. An honest sharing of some negative feeling or some concern and even criticism has a place in any relationship that is alive, and grounded in reality. The Thrice-Holy God communicates His Love to us through human persons. That's why St Paul could say, so boldly, that God Himself comforted him through the visit of a friend. That's why St Augustine could say that in his friendships he experienced the God in whom he finds his rest.