What I look for in a friend?

friend·ship

Everyone has friends. Some have a few close friends or several best friends and others just acquaintances. But most, like myself, have a mix of those in your life. I tend to have a handful of close people in my circle, lots of friends and tons of acquaintances. Now, what is the difference between a friend and an acquaintance? A friend, in my life, is someone who I have personally worked with, had lunch with, shared some life experience with and have more than just a FB connection. Acquaintances are those people whom I’ve met once in my life, whose story I only know from social media, or people I used to know but choose to distance myself from. People I want to maintain in touch with but have little or no connection. Like some old coworkers who I want to keep in my professional circle.

But there is nothing worse than having your friendships compromised by a few bad apples. Sometimes bobbing for the good ones is necessary and the end result is sweet! That is why I sometimes reevaluate my friendships and realize that some people are just better off as acquaintances while others stand out and stay my super close friends. It makes me value and appreciate their loyalty, honesty, dependability, trust and love them even more.

1. Being a loyal friend is so important to me. My friends are dependable. I can count on their friendship at all times. If sh*t hits the fan, they will defend our friendship and stand up for it. A loyal friend will never betray me and will value our friendship above all else.

2. An honest friend is rare. People in general are so afraid of hurting others feelings or having their feelings hurt, that even though we say we want honesty, we really don’t. Even if it hurts and it isn’t always easy, I would rather hear the truth. Honesty means being true and not beating around the bush. Telling it like it is and being open to receiving good and bad feedback that we all so desperately need.

3. Dependability. Knowing that you have friends who you can call at any time, anywhere and they would drop what they are doing just for you is healing. I have a few amazing friends who day or night, will be there for me and my family. In return, I will be there for them through thick and thin!

4. Trusting people these days is so hard. Not only with your kids but with your friendship and heart. Friendships are relationships in which you pour your heart and soul sometimes and if trust is lost, it is gut-wrenching. Having those people around you and being that kind of friend is a sweet responsibility.

5. Loving your close friends is super important as well. They are there through good and bad. Sometimes, friends are closer then family.

Most importantly, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
x, Dijana