Friends

A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow - William Shakespeare

Friends like this are rare and situations like this happen a whole lot. Everyone has moments where they are low and need a friend for support. As the friend, your role is to give the truth, yes; but also knowing when to "zip it" and listen. A listening ear is very hard to find.

Surely, there are times when you must tell it like it is, give the advice that they don't want to hear, help them make it through a season, support financially, hear what they have to say whether you like what you hear or not, stand your ground, be the voice of reason etc....but remember that for someone to call you a friend is a honor and privilege. Trust me, real good long-lasting friends don't come easy.

AND really, no one needs to befriend you ....but if you are given the opportunity, please use it kindly and treat the bond with respect.

Have a great day!

Friends

Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live - Oscar Wilde

Although most of us will not consider this to be loneliness but I believe that one of the reasons why a lot of us are lonely (not alone...just lonely) is because we do not give ourselves the opportunity to meet new friends and invite them into our world; and we also don't accept them for exactly who they are.

You may not always agree with others but you can still respect them. Just because you view life a certain way, doesn't mean you should expect your friends to feel the same way about things. Having a variety of friends will help you connect with people who are different from you, which helps you grow as a person.

Great friendships are an important part of living. They help widen your perspectives on life and remind you that you are not walking out this life on your own.