On True Friendship

For the past 28 years, I've met different people. Some of them really helped me to grow as a person and, in one way or another, have influenced me and molded me into a person that people I interact with know at present. These are the people I really treasure and call them my friends.

I've realized, we call people "friends" yet we have different notions and attach different qualities to these people. For some, a friend means one they usually hang out with and share the same interests... that I call companion. For others, it's simply any person they meet, perhaps in a party hosted by a common friend or a social gathering. Someone they have conversed with and learned a few personal things. This one I call an acquaintance. What's worse (and perhaps you dont want to have this friend) is knowing someone who approaches you only when he/she needs you and mistakingly calling him/her a friend... that I call a friendly user.

For me, a friend is someone who never fails to keep your heart smiling, never fails to say "hi" or "how are you?" even without occasion... one who, regardless of distance, never forgets and doesn't just remember you when you're needed...one who is not present only to share with your joy but also to comfort you in sorrows and defeats... one who listens... and most importantly, one who's willing to tell you what you need to know and not just what you want to hear... in a gentle, sincere and caring way.

I'm so thankful that I've found true friends... friends I'd like to keep and cherish for a lifetime.

"People walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave fingerprints in your heart that will last for a lifetime." (cbs)