Friendship

With social media, we can now claim to have thousands of friends.  But how many of them are true friends? Most of the people we call friends are merely acquaintances or activity partners. We may have some common interests but we don’t really share an emotional bond. 

10 Character Traits of a True Friend

1. Honest.  They are truthful and not afraid to tell you when you’re wrong. 
2. Supportive. They are there for you through thick and thin. They won’t disappear when the going gets tough. 
3. Good Listener.  They allow you to express yourself without interrupting or judging.
4. Sensitive.  They're sensitive to your feelings and needs. 
5. Loyal.  They don't talk behind your back and will defend you if others do. 
6. Humble.  They don't try to “one-up” you. 
7. Helpful.  They help you when you’re feeling sick or depressed. 
8. Available. They make time to get together, talk on the phone, etc. 
9. Positive.  They aren't overly critical or drag you down. 
10. Respectful & Considerate.  They respect commitments.

Thoughts on Friendship

True friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient.  It's about being there when it's not.

 It's not how many friends you can count, it's how many you can count on.

 Hard times will always reveal true friends.

 In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends. ~MLK Jr.

 It's the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.  ~Marlene Dietrich 

Think where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.  

~W.B. Yeats