FRIENDS: Fake or Real???

In our lifetime, we may have many friends, but the list of "real" friends will probably be very small. "Friend" comes with a loose definition, as there are different types we call friend. Each can have placement in our lives, but in a different way. You may have a friend who you have fun with but would never feel comfortable telling your deepest secrets to. Then there is the friend who you can trust with anything; the type that walks beside you in life, a kindred spirit.

What I consider to be the difference in fake friends and real friends...

Fake: Asks for favors often, but never offers to do favors for you. In fact, they may refuse or feel burdened if they do anything for you

Real: Will offer to help before you even ask and if you do ask, they help out, willingly and without resentment

Fake: Talks about you behind your back

Real: If they have a problem with you, they discuss it, face to face, and in a respectful manner

Fake: One-dimensional. They see only their needs and is oblivious to needs of others

Real: They are in-tune enough to sense your pain, your needs and are supportive

Fake: Full of excuses for why they have no time for you - often only coming around when they want something and that something isn't YOU

Real: Wants to make time for you because they genuinely enjoy being with you and "choose" to nurture the friendship

Fake: Their actions don't back up their words

Real: Their actions are proportionate to their words, instilling trust and dependability

Fake: Makes fun of your imperfections

Real: Overlooks your imperfections and if you choose to improve yourself, they are encouraging and supportive. They may even join in.

Fake: Will try to lead you down a destructive path, not caring where it takes you

Real: Will encourage you to go down a constructive path. They will be by your side as you do.

Fake: Will drain your energy dry

Real: Will enhance your energy

Fake: Asks to borrow money often and never pays you back

Real: Only asks to borrow money if it's a true need and always pays back in a prompt manner. Willing to lend you money, if need be

Fake: Cuts you down

Real: Builds you up

Fake: You feel like running from, often getting negative vibes in their presence

Real: You feel like running to because they give off positive vibes

Friendships should not be taken for granted. We all need that extension. We should also ask ourselves how good a friend we are. It's never too late to be a genuine friend. You and everyone around will reap the rewards. If you have genuine friends, nurture your "true" friendships. As a rose withers and dies, without being tended to, so does a friendship. It's very sad to look back and have regrets about losing someone because you took them for granted. Don't make excuses. Implement action!

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