Unfortunately, although he is back from Nepal, our schedules just couldn't match up to have a meeting this week. It seems like months since we saw each other. Well, actually, it has been a little more than one month. We already talked about a meeting next week, so I hope it happens.
I know I’ve mentioned our friend Zbyszek. He helped us in many ways over the years we knew him. Unfortunately, he died four years ago.
In Poland, social circles are often defined by the level of emotional closeness and commitment involved. In English, the word “friend” is used very loosely, but in Polish culture there are clear distinctions between levels of relationships.
Znajomy
(Acquaintance)
This is the broadest category. A znajomy
is someone you know by name and interact with regularly, but without
a deep emotional connection. This could be a colleague, a neighbor,
or someone you see often. Conversations are usually polite and at the
surface level. You would not normally share personal matters or
invite them into your private family life.
Kolega
/ Koleżanka (Colleague or Peer)
This is the middle
level. These are people connected through work, school, or shared
activities. You may meet for coffee or a drink, and the relationship
is friendly, but it is often tied to that shared environment. If the
job or activity ends, the relationship may fade. Many people in
Poland remain at this level for years.
Przyjaciel
(Close Friend)
This is a much deeper and more
meaningful relationship. A przyjaciel is someone you trust
completely, almost like family. The word carries a strong sense of
loyalty and long-term commitment. It is not used lightly. Most people
have only one or two true przyjaciele in their lifetime. This is
someone you can call in the middle of the night and know they will be
there.
Zbyszek, Joanna, and Radek I consider to be przyjaciele.
Joanna was someone I helped practice English with. She was an ophthalmologist, and we met on Saturday mornings, usually for an hour or more, just to talk. She was the kind of doctor who truly cared about her patients. She loved her family and always greeted you with a smile.
When I needed cataract surgery, instead of waiting months, she called one of the best eye surgeons in Poznań and arranged for me to have the procedure the following week. When I had back problems, she and her husband, who was an orthopedic surgeon, came to our flat and helped solve the issue.
She and her husband were always invited to our New Year’s Eve parties, along with Zbyszek. It was Zbyszek who originally introduced me to her so I could help with her English. Later, when her son was old enough, I helped him as well. He has now completed his initial studies to become a doctor.
Like Zbyszek, she died suddenly three years ago. Of the three of them, only Radek remains.
