by Rebecca Thomas

Created on: September 21, 2009

"Keep smiling, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me, for sure, that's what friends are for. In good times and bad times I'll be on your side forever more." These are the words from a song that has become one of my favorites.

A friend is easy to find, but a 'real' friend is hard to find. Friendships are developed over time, and take a lot of effort and time on the part of both people to make a friendship work. But at the end result is a beautiful and exciting friendship that will last a life time.

A real friend is one who is dependable in the good and bad times. The 'good weather' friends are those who stick around only when times are good. If you lose your job, or get into tough times, they will leave and go looking for other people as friends. But a real friend sticks around no matter what. I remember a dear friend who got closer to me when I was going through a really tough patch in life. And she is the one I can enjoy the good times with!

A real friend is one who is honest. Such a person will tell you your faults and weaknesses, and also praise your strengths. Their criticism is always constructive, and they have your best in mind. My friend always told me when I was wrong, but was my greatest "fan", cheering me on and making the best person I could ever be.

A real friend is one who shares the joys and sorrows. She laughs with me and she cries with me! She has the right word for the right moment and a perfect hug to make me feel better. Just by being there, I feel so much better!

A real friend is one who will lovingly tell you your faults. She does not treat me like I am perfect, but she sure does tell me when I am in the wrong.

And finally, a real friend sticks closer than a brother. The Bible says, "There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Life is so much more satisfying because I have my real friend in my life. She aims to make the best I can ever be. She knows my full potential and wants me to reach it. And she also expects the same high level of friendship from me.

We look forward to each moment we can spend together, because we know that at the end of our time together, we are better people, and "real friends".

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