by S. Colvin

Created on: July 26, 2009

Friend is a term that has become very loose in its meaning. We meet an individual that shares the same interests and they instantly become our friends. Social networking websites allow us to befriend many people, most of which we could pass by on the street and not even recognize. An abundance of friends is a commonality these days. However, how many of them can be given the label of a real friend? If you take a step back for a moment and really put thought into the friends you have, the truth remains that very few of them can be called real friends.

Real friends are hard to come by. Friendship is like any relationship. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. There should be an even balance of give and take. Friendships often become one sided or dissolve all together. Each individual must feel as if their efforts are not going unnoticed. Typically when a friendship becomes more work that it is rewarding, it is the result of acquaintances falling out of touch rather than a true friendship ending.

We are living in a world of advanced technology. This has put a strain on many friendships. While it has become convenient to remain in contact with one another, personalization is being sacrificed. Rather than pick up the phone and talk to one another, we are busy sending emails and texting as the primary form of communication. Technology can be a very useful tool; however, a friendship can not survive when technology becomes the foundation, and personalized communication is forced to take a back seat.

Real friends are hard to come by because people are becoming more absorbed in their own needs. Rather than be there unconditionally for one another, there are often ulterior motives that are meant to benefit one more than the other. Individuals are too busy to take the time and realize what is really important in life. People become wrapped up in work, family, and extra curricular activities. There is the false perception that our friends will always be there when we find our way back to them. In reality, a real friend would not have allowed themselves to lose touch in the first place.

Few people are willing to sacrifice in order to support progression in their friendship. There is a time to talk and a time to listen. True friends are far and few between. However, once those special people are found, an individual must put as much into the relationship as they expect to get out of it. No matter what, be a true friend to them and eventually the friends that were meant to last and leave an impact on our lives will continue to stand by us with their arms wide open.

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