Don't be a sham!

"The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity." - Ulysses S. Grant

How true is that?  And how often do you find that your friends show their true colors when your life has hit rock bottom?  It's ALWAYS a surprise, isn't it?  You know who your real friends are.  They are the ones that tell you the truth, even if you don't want to hear it.  The ones that stand by you as you grow (sometimes grow-up even) and change.  The ones that are always on your side, especially when you have to admit that you have done something you are not especially proud of.  And the ones that stand by you as you stop that behavior, or make that life altering change because of it.  They don't leave your side, even if you pick up and move half way across the country for true happiness, or a change of pace and scenery, or both.

And even if they don't always agree with your religion, politics or sexual behaviors, they do believe in you.  And prove to you every day that they want you in their lives.  These are the friends you need to have in your life the ones that you should be cultivating.  NOT the ones that only want to go out and celebrate your good news or have time for you when you have money to spend on them.

And certainly shy away from the ones that only seem interested in what you have to say when it's bad.  They are the worst type.  The ones that are so wrapped up in being miserable themselves that they NEED to feel that they have company, and actually, while they seem to care, they really only want the dirt.  Sometimes even to spread to the rest of your friends, as a way to make their lives seem less horrible.

Look at your friends and who you are spending time with, and make sure they are worthy of you and your needs, and while you are at it, make sure you are worthy of them as well.  Don't be that friend that only has time when things are good, and only wants to be the spreader of gossip.  Be the friend you want to have, and you will be surrounded by the best people in the world.  Oh and this goes for loving others too, you know.  It has to be honest, open and with your entire heart or it's a sham.