If “friend” had to be defined in only one word, that word would have to be “gift.” Friends are everything from our partners in crime to our safe place in a cold and frightening world. They give us their strength when we have none of our own, and they share their peace with us when we have only chaos. They have confidence in us when we have lost confidence in ourselves. True friends know when to talk and when to sit with us in silence, and they know when to simply listen and when to offer opinions. Often, they even know what we are thinking or feeling before we know ourselves.
Real friends are the ones that are there for us no matter how bad we feel or what terrible circumstances we may be experiencing. It is during the most difficult times that we find out who our true friends are. The casual friends become very scarce when the going gets tough. They claim to be busy with this or that, or they might not even answer our calls. But the good and true friends hold our hands while they walk through the hardships beside us.
Real friends are also there when times are good to share our triumphs and successes, and they are sincerely happy for us when we reach our goals. Unlike casual friends who are sometimes jealous or resentful of our good fortune, our real friends are proud of us and help us celebrate our achievements.
They are patient, kind, and understanding, and they function not only as our friends. They are also our sounding boards, and sometimes even our therapists. They listen to us and honestly share their observations and opinions. If we are being unreasonable, illogical, or borderline insane, they are not afraid to tell us. They are able to be honest and objective and realistic without losing their tactfulness.
There’s no end to what a true friend will do. Many even possess a sort of sixth sense that tells them when we need them, and they show up at the door. But the most important characteristic of a true friend is that they love us unconditionally. They accept us flaws and all, and the world is a warmer place because of them.
“A true friend is someone who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” Walter Winchell
