Real friends are hard to find

You know how when you were a little kid and you were told - "choose your friends wisely"? It is important on so many levels, who you interact with on a daily basis, because they play major roles in your life. Because, those people you spend your valuable time with are an exact reflection of who you are, who you will become, what you feel and what you do. However, we live in a superficial world and it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between who is fake and who is real.

The thing about fake people is that with their Gossip Girl-esque serial killer smile splashed all over their faces, they pretend they are true, honest and the sweetest people on earth. Or the usual “OMG, you are totally my best friend” smile they give to each and every person they may know. But, the truth is, their primary goal is to belittle you and gossip about you in any possible way. And you always know when you are surrounded with fake, so-called friends when all they do is gossip. And lets face it, we have all known or know that one fake person, who even if their mouth is practically covered in blood from verbally ripping someone apart, but as soon as they turn their backs, they greet them with a huge bright smile and squeaky “Hiiiii-eeee!” Now that is a FAKE person with a capital F. Basically, the thing about gossip is that it is contagious and no matter how much you fight it, if you hang out with people who gossip a lot, you will probably end up engaging in fake – gossip girl – behavior yourself. Don't let yourself get caught up in that fake game of “Oh, let’s all be so nice and smile and nicely – exaggeratedly - Real Desperate Housewives-ly compliment each other and afterwards be all terrorist-ly terrible behind each other’s backs.

There comes a time in our lives when we have to decide, who is worth our time and who is not? Who is worth our love and care and who is not? Besides, part of growing up means ending “terrorists” friendships and not letting these bad relationships suck up your time or energy. The answer is, we should instead focus on nurturing and appreciating those true, real, beautiful people, who inspire us and lift us higher.

Real friendships are not about manipulation, dishonesty or deceitfulness. A true friend is someone, who will love you and support you unconditionally. A true friend is someone, who lifts you higher and brings out the very best in you.

When I think of real friends, I’m talking about people, who make you laugh for no reason at all. I think about people with whom you can be comfortable and yourself with. You always know you have a sincere and real friendship, when you don’t have to wonder where you stand or worry about your mutual emotional safety in each other’s company. Or when you act childish, trivial, angry, insecure, you know for sure they won’t use it against you. What I’m talking about is genuine affection and good will. It’s about two-way faith. It is about protecting and sincerely celebrating each other. I’m talking about those real ones, who won’t wish or do you harm, but only show good intentions. And, when you are in their company, you won’t need to worry about being betrayed, used or exploited in any way. Those are the true ones. Those are real. Those are keepers.

Therefore, remember, in the end all we have... is all these years. We can choose to fill these years with toxic, negative people or with fun, loving and positive people. So be careful, who you surround yourself with.