Seek true friends –but how?

Seek true friends –but how?

One of the rarest commodity you get in life is a true and sincere friend. There are many who you meet, perhaps thousands. But there are very few that stay in your mind as a friend. However there are those we mistakenly think of as friend, those who are there for convenience or gains.
To seek the true friend is a tough task, but there are some very reliable pointers. These are tried and tested signs of the quality of your friendship with someone.
● Dignity: A true friend won’t ask you to compromise your principles in the name of friendship. He would not ask you to go down a pathway you wouldn’t take otherwise. He will have respect for your character.
● Positive Influence: A true friend will inspire you to live up to your best potential, not indulge your basest drives. This person will not request for your presence at a party that impedes with your work schedules, or force you to have one too many of the drink, before you drive back home. He wouldn’t force you to pick up a bad habit like drinking if you do not have it already.
● Empathetic: A true friend is sort of a therapist. Think about it, besides your family, whom you may tell your problems to? He who understands the problem you face as much as you do is the true friend. Not one who listens and forgets it the moment he is into the next thing.
● Truthful: If someone is a true friend they don’t talk behind your back or do anything sneaky when you’re not looking. He would not use your name for anything untruthful or bad in nature
● Respectful: A True friend is someone that appreciates you for who you are. While he may have the liberty and access you in every way, he would never in anyway belittle you with any short coming in your life
● Open Minded: You and your friend may have a difference in opinion about a variety of things. This can be both a blessing and a curse. Certain beliefs may immediately end friendships. From political beliefs, religious beliefs, to eating habits, these can all be deal breakers. A true friend won’t outright dismiss your position on a certain topic. Rather, they’ll explore and attempt to rationalize why you believe in a certain principle.
● Reliable: Most importantly, a true friend is someone you can think of going to during hard times. Whether a court case, financial problems, or health problems, a true friend is someone who will support you. They’re someone who wouldn’t question lending you money if you needed it. They’re the person that answers your calls at 3am when you need help.
Let me speak from my experience in life. I have met and mingled with thousands. I have had the fun, shared laughter and jolly good time with a great many. But even after nearly half a century, there are only a handful, who I can truly call a friend. This how rare sincere friends are.