by Frances Meupe

Created on: July 06, 2009   Last Updated: July 08, 2009

Most people would probably say that judging from experience it is better to have a large group of acquaintances and a small group of friends. Being a friend can be time consuming whether you have a best friend or a circle of friends. The more friends you have, the more time you expend to maintain the friendships. And that is what a friend wants most-time, your time-quality time .

Keep your circle of friends small so that you can be a good friend. You can spread yourself thin trying to be all things to all people. If you have a small circle of friends, you are most likely available when a friend needs to talk and needs you to listen. A friend might have a day when Murphy's Law is in full effect, or have a personal problem or family crisis. A friend listens actively and knows when to just listen and when to offer input or give an opinion. Sometimes a friend needs a shoulder to cry on and in most cases you cry on each others shoulder. True friends are like family and when they hurt, you hurt.

You may have a large group of acquaintances that you interact with occasionally, but a small group of friends is usually more close knit and more dependable and reliable. If you're ever in a dire situation it is the close friend, rather than an acquaintance, who would most likely be willing to do almost anything to help you. And of course if needed, you would reciprocate.

Entertaining and socializing with a large group of acquaintances can be fun. You will probably even meet more new people. This might prove beneficial to you if you are on a networking mission. However, a small gathering of friends is fun also. Everybody knows everybody. The last thing anybody wants to talk about is work and a good time is had by all.

It is definitely better to have a small group of friends. Acquaintances may be good people but they are not close like a family member. True friends are few and far between. Consider yourself fortunate if you surround yourself with a small circle of people that you can call "good friends". Do whatever you can to maintain healthy and long-lasting friendships. Friends should always do what is in the best interest of each other. You don't "use" a friend who's vulnerable. And you do not mistake their kindness for weakness. And no matter how close you are, know your boundaries and what is off limits. That rule saves friendships, relationships, marriages, and lives.

Occasionally, a person who you consider a good friend might not be a good friend at all. You may sense that this person presents with ulterior motives. If you see that a person is too needy, don't be an enabler. If you see that you are being used, don't ignore red flags. Sever your ties. You do not want to be involved in a toxic friendship. But hopefully your friends are friends 'till the end.

Learn more about this author, Frances Meupe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.