What defines a “true friend”?  I would describe someone who is there for you in good times and bad; someone who is truthful with you even when it’s hard to hear such truth; someone who puts your needs before their own.  Someone whose soul understands you completely, all knowing and unconditionally – loves you.  And, if your blessed enough to have a true friend then the world has been indeed good to you.

In my life, I have been blessed to have friends that are true, genuine and real.  From one whom I seldom see yet I know she prays for me daily, loves me unconditionally and would fly thousands of miles just to be there in my need.  A friend whose heart quietly suffers with uncertainty and fear yet genuinely inquiries about me, sending strength and love my way daily.

To another; whose integrity and commitment to our friendship compares to no other.  “She has my back in times of celebration and in times of loss”.  She makes me want to be a better person, she constantly demonstrates how I want to live my life, how I strive to be just like her when I grow up.  This friend keeps me sane when insanity is the prescription of the day.

To the spontaneous fun friends who remind me to live each moment of each day where you might find me tagging along on a mountain hike, an Aruba dance night, golfing, axe throwing, to even experiencing a Botox afternoon (ouch!)  Yet, these friends keeps it real and fun…

“11 Signs of Genuine Friendship” by Lindsay Holmes in Healthy Living, describes the measure of a true friendship as “a support system that helps you live longer.” She notes that Aristotle described a true friend as a “single soul dwelling in two bodies.” This I understand because there has been so many times that we as friends have read each other without a single word spoken, rendered lifesaving support without asking.

Holmes’ article prompted today’s blog and written thanks to my genuine friends for their unfailing love and commitment to me. You my friends have lifted me when I could not stand, you have carried me when I could not walk, you have listened to my cries, you have created a world of wellness and safety for me to heal and you help me to see the blessings that come from your friendships.

My forever friends “thank you”.

Parents and educators, I encourage you too to reflect on these 11 signs as you navigate your children through the ups and downs of friendships and relationships. Our children are growing up in the age of social media, Facebook friends, Instagram friends, where relationships and friendships are being built more online than face to face and a click of a button results in someone being “unfriended”. We will need to be steadfast and prepared like no other generation to provide the guidance and support needed to ensure our children understand and maintain the connections and bonds necessary in genuine friendships.

 

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