Friends Forever

I don't have an abundance of close friends. My closest friend right now I'd say is my sister Tosha. And of course I'm blessed to still have my best friends from grade school. Although we are separated by a few hours, we would still pick up and come to each others rescue for anything if asked. I have had my fair share of friends in between, but the friends you make when you're on the wrong path in your life, are very hard to keep by your side.

You can really distinguish between the good and the bad friends, when you decide you want to change who you've become. The good friends will still love you no matter what path you've chosen for your life. There might be some bumps along the way but they will never leave your side. They will accept you for who you are and respect you if you choose to change. They will tell you if you're clearly doing something wrong, but will always forgive you in the end. You can laugh with them for hours about absolutely nothing, and cry with them about everything. Bad friends tend to always pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. They talk you down to others, trying to build themselves up to look better (sometimes even in front of you). They encourage a lot of gossip. They lie and encourage you to lie with them, which then leads to them not believing you in serious situations or listening to your advice. They never forget your mistakes and bring them up every time the opportunity arises, and fail to remember any of theirs. In the end, being around a bad friend really encourages you to have a lot of built up resentment, which makes it hard to keep pursuing that bond.

I think we can all say we've had both good and bad friends, and we've also been the good and bad friend.

From my personal experience, to be friends with someone means that you not only have to be loyal, but that your heart has to be in the right place toward that person. Your personalities have to click, and you have to be willing to adapt and grow with them. If you're in a bad friend situation and you don't know if they would even be willing to discuss how to repair things, it's best to just let them go. And chances are it will be easier for you than for them. 

In today's society, people are very easily swayed and finding good friends that will be loyal and trusting is really hard. But don't be discouraged, I was actually lucky enough to still hang on to friendships even after very tough situations. It takes an amazing heart, a strong person, and good communication on both sides to overcome big obstacles. In a way, it's a lot like marriage. You have to be willing to let the immaturity fade from your life. Great friendships will last forever, but it takes effort and growing up.

"Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals"' 
-1 Corinthians 15:33