CiRCLe oF FRieNDS

Circle of Friends

There is a difference being an acquaintance and being a friend.

First, an acquaintance is someone whose name you know, whom you see every now and then, with whom you probably have something in common, and around whom you feel comfortable. He's a person you can invite to your home and share things with. But they are people with whom you wouldn't share your life, whose actions sometimes you don't understand because you don't know enough about them.

On the other hand, a friend is someone you love. Not that you are "in love" with him or her, but you care about the person, and you think about him or her when they are not there. Friends are the people of whom you are reminded when you see something they might like, and you know this because you know them so well. They are the people around whom you feel safe because you know they care about you. They call just to see how you are doing, because friends don't need an excuse.

They tell you the truth — the first time — and you do the same. You know that if you have a problem, they are there to listen. They are the people who won't laugh at you or hurt you; and if they do hurt you, they try hard to make it up to you.

They are the people you love, regardless of whether you realize it. They are the people that when you hug them, you don't think about how long to hug and who's going to be the first one to let go.

They are the people who stop you from making mistakes and help you when you do.

They stick with you and stand by you.

They hold your hand.

They watch you live, and you watch them live, and you learn from them.

Your life is not the same without them.

These are your friends.

How many do you have?