A friend that is a women's studies professor swears that if in a party of 200 people if there is only 1 wife beater and 1 woman with a history of domestic violence they will manage to find each other. I had some crappy luck with boyfriends early on and managed to figure out that with friends I needed to be as particular as with a potential boyfriend. I was the only common demoninator when it came to attracting loser men so I had to be the one who changed my approach.

It is like renting out a house. You have absolutely got to 100% be hard core and not let one bit of your emotions take over because if you feel sorry for a prospective tenant's past history of bad luck you will end up getting screwed over. I sort the kitty from the litter very quickly even with family. The crack pots know not to even entertain the idea of trying to drag me into any drama.

There are decent people out there it just takes a long time to find them and develop that bond, imo. Although they are a wonderful addition to my life I do keep my internet friends as acquaintances My true friends are those I have known for 20 years and although this might sound sad there are only 5 people that I truly consider dear, lifelong friends.

The good news is that in all the years I've known these people not once did any of them ask to borrow money, get themselves in a legal or morally compromised position or do anything that would make me lose respect for them. We can go months without talking but when we do manage to hook up it is like yesterday. They have seen me at my best and worst and have been my cheerleaders. I love them and if I never make another friend for as long as I live I have been blessed to have known these few wonderful people.