Over the years I've had many friends or acquaintances in my life, and at a certain point or at the point that they were in my life they played a significant role.  While the friendship is happening you never imagine that it would one day end or fade. It's amazing how we outgrow people or how our life journeys go in different directions, all of a sudden.  I'm sure you have at some point in your life asked yourself..."how was I ever friends with that person?" OMG!! 

The scariest things I've seen with certain friends is how they can all of a sudden change or act funny with no apparent reason, and this has made me question myself a few times.  Is it something that I did? Did I offend them in anyway? And over the years I've learned not to take things too personally.  It's ok if you and your friends out grow each other, it's ok if you prefer to hang around other people. If this didn't happen we wouldn't grow as individuals.

So this brings me to the question... Is there such a thing as a true friend? Before I answer that question... ask yourself this "Am I a true friend?" you probably think you are 'cause that's what we naturally do... we only see the good in ourselves and we are quick to see the bad/negative in other people.

So here is a bit of a challenge for you... check if you are a true friend first.  Here is a checklist:

1. Do you criticise your friends for no reason
2. Walk away when times get tough
3. Discourage your friends
4. Hold a grudge
5. Lie
6. Take without giving back
7. Gossip behind your friends back
8. Get jealous at their success

If you have answered 'no' to most of these questions then you are a true friend, and if you have a friend that does most of the things on this list, then it's time to let go and move on.

Some people stay in friendships no matter how potent the friendship is, just because they are afraid to be alone or without friends.  In school you see how little kids are desperate to have friends and even in their adulthood people still have that desperate need to have friends at all costs.

One thing to remember... an acquaintance has a little something in common with you and merely enjoys your company for a short time.  A fair-weather friend flatters you when the sun is shining and the birds are chirping.  A true friend, on the other hand, has your very best interest at heart.

Don't waste your time on people who don't deserve it... life is way too short.

Later...