A good friend is one who gives a kind of 
happiness based on knowing interconnectedness; 
learning to be friends to ourselves and being 
one to others. .. Buddha

People who can not be friends cannot 
make friends. ..Hazlitt 1827

The things our friends do with us and for 
us form a portion of our lives, they strengthen 
our personality... Goethe

Many people come and go in our lives. 
We call them friends.

Friendships do end or fade away- end due to 
unresolved conflicts, changes in socio-economic 
state, or distance . Demands of a growing family, 
a new relationship or career can diminish the 
time spent on being with friends- until one day, 
the friendship fades away.

It is also possible that friends do not "grow "
in ways that we do, shared interests are no longer 
the same. Difference of opinion in religion and 
politics can be divisive.

We look to friends for companionship, social 
interaction, someone to listen, provide support 
and comfort in times of need. A friend needs to 
be frank and honest when needed. A friend 
reaches out in troubled times, shares moments 
of joy, and moments of victory and success.

True friends share secrets, it is a sacred trust. 
When this trust is betrayed, it hurts deeply 
leaving an irreparable damage to the relationship.

We seek a friend's point of view when major 
choices or decisions have to be made. A true 
friend understands that the ultimate action 
or decision is ours to make

Sweetest things turn sour by their deeds and 
friendships that fester may grow into rank 
enmity. …. Ecclesiasticus

Setting Boundaries

Friends can be disappointing at times. There 
is a line that when this is crossed, it can 
mean the end of a friendship. And where do 
you draw this line?

Think of boundaries- no matter how freely a 
friend can come in and out of our lives, 
our homes, and infringe on our time, boundaries 
are important. It is a matter of respecting 
your privacy. Learn to say NO when a friend 
start to crowd your space. We all need a 
breathing space from friends. There are important 
matters that require time and attention.

Sometimes, too much familiarity diminishes the 
mutual respect a friendship deserves. This can 
create discord or deep-seated resentment. 
You be the judge.Take control, discuss this 
openly and frankly. This does not have to 
end a friendship.

What secrets do want to share with a dearest 
friend? Think about this carefully. It's not 
that you don't trust a friend, but some secrets 
are better left in the deepest chamber of your 
heart. If you want to let it out, write it down, 
then burn the paper. But try to keep it to yourself

Money issues can be devastating in any 
relationship- be it with family or friends. 
Misfortune can befall a friend. What are you 
willing to do for your friend? Money matters 
have ended friendships on a bitter note. This 
does not have to be- setting limits as to 
how far you are willing to help and be frank 
about it defines the friendship.

A true friend will not turn his/her back on a 
friend who gets in the throes of financial disaster. 
You know your friend well enough to reach out 
in times of dire straits. How far you are willing 
to help is up to you.

A true friend can be a real treasure in life.

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