True Friend

As much as we wish it was, making friends is not quite as simple as pointing out somebody in a crowd and saying, “I want you.” Maybe when we were five, that would have passed as an acceptable friendship-making technique, but as we get older, more factors come in to play. According to social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, you may have hundreds of ‘friends’ and ‘followers,’ most of whom know nothing about who you are or what you’ve been through. A true friend is not someone who can be gained with the click of a button or the pointing of a finger. True friends are your real friends. They are the kind of people you can trust with anything. They are the kind of people that will always have your back. Finding them is difficult, and once found, it is almost impossible to notice what you have until the relationship faces one defining moment that tests its strength. It takes being a true friend in return, to see the actual impact you have on each other's lives.

Real friends care for one another. Caring for somebody is more complex than just listening to what they have to say and nodding your head. Its about asking them questions, being sincere when you respond, and making listening to what they have to say of top priority. A true friend is someone you should feel comfortable telling your problems to, and you should feel confident in that they will listen intently and give the best advice they can. A true friend doesn’t sit there and listen to you talk about something in your life for 10 minutes and reply with the classic “Yeah that sucks,” or the other typical response, “Oh that’s cool.”  They always support you and help you to see the other side of the situation more clearly.

A true friend will not be afraid to tell you what you don’t want to hear, which is why they are best when you are in need of advice. Sometimes the truth hurts, but people need to hear it. And it is best to be told by a best friend rather than a stranger who may come off as sounding offensive. Hearing something as simple as “You probably shouldn’t wear that,” or “Maybe he was right” sound much better and will be taken much more seriously when coming from a good friend.

As teenagers, friends are easily the ones we are most influenced by. Although we might try and deny it, our friends opinions have a momentous impact on how we think and speak. That being said, a genuine friend should always wish the best for you and not for themselves. They need to put you first when you come to them, and you should do the same for them when they come to you for advice. Also, throughout one’s teenage years, a lot happens. Managing grades, sports, a social life, and applying to colleges all occur within such a short period of time. This is where friends play a crucial role, and are needed most. True friends can relate to one another, and know exactly how the other thinks. A trustworthy friend can help you through anything, staying loyal and honest throughout every situation.

Friends are the few people who know you for you. They shouldn’t judge what you do or say, because thats not what being friends with someone is about. People in general shouldn’t try and change who you are, especially those you consider your friends. When you are nervous about something, a common piece of advice given is just to be yourself. How can one be themselves when they are constantly expected to be someone else? That's one thing we can’t change about the world around us, but in front of our own friends, we should honestly be able to be ourselves. That’s how you know you are truly friends with someone because it is when you feel the most comfortable. You might make mistakes or mess up here and there, but a true friend will always forgive you.

A true friend is someone who is always there for you. A true friend is someone who is always loyal, honest and trustworthy. A true friend cannot be defined by a number on your friend or follower counts on social media sites. A true friend is not necessarily a label. It is a characteristic; a trait that somebody possesses showing you everyday that they are keeping your best interest in mind.