--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think the term 'friend' itself has lost…" description: "\"I think the term 'friend' itself has lost almost all of its exclusivity. Even the term 'good friend' is overused. Adding the word 'vital' provides a cl..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5fa/tom-rath-3501_adding_i-think-the-term-friend-itself-has-lost_3078481.png" --- # I think the term 'friend' itself has lost almost all of… ![“I think the term 'friend' itself has lost almost all of its exclusivity. Even the term 'good friend' is overused. Adding the word 'vital' provides a clear definition of what we mean.” quote by Tom Rath](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5fa/tom-rath-3501_adding_i-think-the-term-friend-itself-has-lost_3078481.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5fa/tom-rath-3501_adding_i-think-the-term-friend-itself-has-lost_3078481.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5fa/tom-rath-3501_adding_i-think-the-term-friend-itself-has-lost_3078481.png) > “I think the term 'friend' itself has lost almost all of its exclusivity. Even the term 'good friend' is overused. Adding the word 'vital' provides a clear definition of what we mean.” [Tom Rath](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-rath/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The word “friend” has become diluted; adding “vital” restores clarity to its significance. **In simple terms:** “Vital friend” defines essential relationships. Key Takeaway Identify and cherish vital friendships. Themes relationships language meaning Mood analytical contemplative Type philosophical practical When to use this quote - team building - networking events - personal mentorship - social media connections Key Concepts sociology semantics Questions to Reflect On - Which friendships are truly vital to you? - How do you differentiate superficial from essential friends? A Different Perspective Over‑labeling can weaken genuine connections. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adding/) [Almost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/almost/) [Clear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clear/) [Definition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/definition/) [Even](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/even/) [Exclusivity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exclusivity/) [Friend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friend/) [Friend Overused](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friend-overused-5240095/) [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Good](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good/) [Good friend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-friend/) [I think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/i-think/) [Itself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/itself/) [Lost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lost/) [Mean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean/) [Provides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/provides/) [Term](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/term/) [Term Friend](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/term-friend-2438575/) [Think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/think/) [Vital](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vital/) [Word](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/word/) [Word Vital](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/word-vital-5240096/) ## Related quotes > [Now, the term 'friend' is a little loose. 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Schmidt, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benno-c-schmidt-jr/) > [I think another thing is that we don't really want exclusivity. We accept that it is in the artist's interest to be on sale…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-gabriel/i-think-another-thing-is-that-we-don-t-really-want-exclusivity-we/) [Peter Gabriel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-gabriel/) > [Don't incriminate yourself. You got the Twitter. I hate twitter. 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