A friend is not a means
If you use friendship, you destroy it.
A self-serving friendship ceases to be friendship as soon as the other person is no longer useful for what you want. That is when the person becomes an instrument.
Friendship has value in itself. A friend is not useful because they get you something, but because they are someone you can love for their own sake.
A friend is not there to solve your loneliness, give you contacts, or always confirm your opinions. Friendship begins to be real when you also seek their good and respect their freedom.
Key idea
Friendship is valuable in itself.
Your challenge for this idea
Do something for a friend today without seeking any benefit or recognition.