How would you describe true friendship? Well, Webster's Dictionary describes a friend as, "one attached to another by affection or esteem". The word true is defined as," steadfast, loyal and just". So, a true friend, by definition, would be someone that you not only shared with, but also respected and were honest with.

Simple question, simple answer. Right? Not exactly. Being a true friend goes much deeper than just a simple definition. Think about this. Being a friend is difficult. Lets face it, people are not easy to deal with. Spend enough time with anyone, and they will get on your nerves. Human beings are complex, emotional creatures. Whether we admit it or not, we desire attention, love and acceptance. In today's world these are difficult commodities to acquire consistently, much less dole out.

In a sense being a "true friend" is a marriage of sorts. Like a married couple, true friends must look past each other's imperfections or quirks. They must also be there for each other during times of difficulties. And, obviously, there must be forgiveness as well. After all, we are all inherently selfish. It is only a matter of time before we say or do something inconsiderate.

Now, I will tell you that in my short life of thirty nine years I have had friends that met this criteria. And during my friendship with these individuals, I considered them to be "True Friends". However, over time, I have lost touch with most of them. In fact, I dare say, I do not know where ninety five percent of these people live today. Pretty sad, huh? I believe so.

In order for there to be "True Friendship", both individuals must first like each other. In other words, share common interest, goals and lifestyles. They need to relate to one another and empathize with each other. And they have to be honest as well as, loyal to each other. They should feel at ease with one another. You know, feel free to be themselves. Once again, because we are all imperfect, they must be able to freely forgive each other for any transgressions.

In closing, "True Friendship" is much harder to find than to describe. For me a true friend would be someone I respected, trusted and loved. I would have to know that they felt the same towards me. And we would have to be comfortable with each other. Depending on how you view this. Unfortunately or fortunately. I have only one "True Friendship". That is the friendship that my partner and I share. Therefore, I describe "True Friendship" as marriage.