Will You Be My Friend

It’s not always easy to be a good friend – and it’s definitely not easy to know when a “good friend” really isn’t that good for you. We’ve all been there – we trusted the wrong person thinking he or she was a friend and worthy of our trust. And perhaps that trusted person really did act like a friend for a good while. But then something changed and you realized the “good friend” was really a wolf in sheep’s wool. This person was learning all your secrets and sharing them with others, honing in on your weaknesses to use them to his or her advantage, and turning your other friends against you by spreading lies. The easiest thing to do in this instance is to run – as fast as you can. Don’t wait for explanations, don’t listen to excuses because they’re probably just more lies, and don’t leave yourself vulnerable for an attack. Run and sever all ties with the toxic friend – it’s important for your own wellbeing. Once you’ve had time to lick your wounds and rebuild your confidence you’ll want to make new friends or repair the friendships that may have been damaged by the toxic ‘other’. Below I’ve listed some ways to know if someone is a true friend and some ways to make sure you are acting as a true friend too.

• You can go forever without talking and pick up like it was just yesterday that you spoke last
• He is still there to support you even after you’ve made a poor decision
• She shows up to hang out even during the difficult parts of life - breakups, losing a job, death in the family. You know, all the times when you really need a friend.
• She knows all your deep, dark secrets and loves you all that much more for your oddities
• He understands that sometimes you say mean things out of anger and he always accepts your wholehearted apology
• She remembers your first pet's name and how sad you were when Fluffy-Bunny-Kins died
• He gives you a fantastic idea for a project and then gladly sits back while you take the credit
• She can tell just when you need a hug the most

• Understand you may go forever without talking and still be able to pick up like it was just yesterday you spoke last
• Support your friend even after she makes a mistake you warned about her about
• Be there to hang out with your friend even during the difficult times
• Share your own secrets but always keep those of your friend safe and private
• Understand when your friend says something mean out of anger and always accept the wholehearted apology afterwards
• Remember all the trials and tribulations your friend survived and help her recall her stronger moments when she needs to know how awesome she is
• Always give credit when your friend gives you a fantastic idea for a project (even if he insists that you don't need to. It's just the good-friend-thing to do.)
• Be attuned to your friend’s feelings to know when he or she needs a hug