Thank you for your thoughts on an important matter - that of friends. Friends make life possible. Since there are some people who are only interested on making things impossible, it is important to have friends. I believe friendship is a gift from heaven. We can be ourselves: if we are sad, we can cry; if we are happy, we can share our happiness and smile.

Amen to that. Well put!!

When I think about my most enduring friendships, there is one constant shared by all, that is honest, open communication. We are confident in the mutual value of our relationships, enough to defend our thoughts and reconcile any differences.

My longest, most treasured friendships have grown beyond the superficial, initial infatuation and flattery, into meaningful and lasting bonds. FG, I disagree with one thing you said, I feel that solid, sincere friendship does require work, but when it's honest and authentic, the work is a natural process and requires minimal effort. If real friendship is not at least a commitment to open communication, what then, is it?

Many years ago, I came across this quote from Henry Ford, "My best friend is the one that brings out the best in me." I have always believed in the simple idea that true friends are an accurate reflection of our very hearts, even through the times of hard feelings. I've definitely made some foolish investments along the way, but I am not at all ashamed to look into the mirrors of my genuine friends' faces.

I have been in a friendship that I had to work to keep it going. I did the calling, the stopping by, the listening when she was down, but when I stood back and stopped working, the friendship ended - so I feel there was a friendship but it was all one sided by me. I have not heard from her in over a year now.

I have a friendship now and that friend seems to criticize everything I do. When I speak and it doesn't come out quite right, they are quick to correct me. When I spell something wrong they are quick to judge me for my errors. I have days that I can't seem to spell, I can't seem to talk perfect, does that make me a stupid person? In a real friends eyes I would think not, but to some people it is important. Is that wrong? Probably not but that is not how I am. I choose my friends for who they are on the inside.....

I have also made many friends through friends that at one time were people I considered best friends. I do not judge the other friends and still consider them friends even though one has pulled back or befriended me in some way. People are individuals.....

Friends have come and gone in my life and I feel they have all been a part of who I am today. Do I regret having a friendship with any of them, no. They have taught me lessons and to be a better friend to the ones I care about.

I agree with you on that, AMN. By work, I mean a chore. It has to be two-sided. When only one person is invested in the relationship, it becomes a chore, work for only one of the people in the relationship. High Maintenance. What's the point then. That's what happen to me. I was all give, she was all take. When I needed some give, she was not there.

I love that quote from Henry Ford. Thanks for the reminder.

Done................