by Lindy Abrahams

Created on: May 10, 2008

The saying that you don't get to choose your family but you do get to choose your friends rings true. Through the years I've watched friendships evolve as I've grown up and matured. I've experienced great friends and awful friends. Genuine friends and friends who are only with you for what they can get out of you. Friendship as a whole whether good or bad always has a life lesson to teach. Some of the bad friendships, even though emotionally draining at times, have challenged me to grow in my life. They have forced me to ask questions about myself that have allowed me to evolve as a human being.

Friendship is a two way street. It is a place where people can come together and trust, love and rely on each other. Friendship holds no grudge, it does not judge. When you experience true friendship, it doesn't matter what you tell your friend, you are safe in the knowledge that they won't ever see you in a different light. You feel safe sharing secrets, you can shed a tear without shame. Friends see you in your darkest hour but who you are to them never changes.

Friendship doesn't keep score. There is no tit for tat, friends help without holding a score card. Friendship forgives, friends realize that we slip up, say hurtful things but when we do, as true friends we apologize and a true friend forgives.

Friendship is your home away from home. When I moved miles away from my family and my best friend. I never thought I would find anyone to be there for me like they had, but life is full of beautiful surprises. Life brought me two new friends who have gone the extra mile to support me when I needed it. Friendship comes in different forms, if we allow people to be who they are you will find many great friendships.

Friendship allows you to be yourself and you allow your friend to be who they are. You don't try to change their habits or box them into your idea of a friendship. You just give them the space to be.

Friendship listens and is always close with a shoulder to cry on if you need it. You don't have to apologize for the late night call, you know that there is always someone on the other side of the line.

Friendship laughs together. The laughter that brings tears to your eyes or makes you express sounds that would normally embarrass you. When you laugh together it is like you are in a world of your own. All the things that were worrying you in that moment seem to disappear.

Friendship is a bridge to love. It is a great human experience that brings you closer to other human beings you never thought you could love as if they were family. Friendship is a gift God has given each and everyone of us on this planet to remind us that we are not alone.

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