[Naturefreak]

I have a hard time meeting friends in real life and when I do it doesn't last for long. If I had just one friend I would be happy.
I would just like to know what others here would describe what a friend is to you. I don't want a wikipedia link , just honest opinions from real people. Thank you.

[MickG]

"real people..." Yeah well that is the key.

A friend is someone who would die for you. Not because they want to but because they are standing so close they are in the line of fire as well.

[thunderbear]

A real friend would be someone who does'nt get mad at you for little things. Someone who does'nt pick boyfriends/girlfriends over you. Someone who keeps your secrets without holding them against you. Someone who won't judge you. Someone you trust more than your brothers/or sisters (though in most cases your best friends are your brothers or sisters.) Those are qualities I want in a true friend. Unfortunatly all of my friends but one has done the exact oppisite of what I wrote. True friends are so hard to find. But when you do it's so nice having them in your life

[Evening]

A friend to me is someone I don't don't, I'm not constantly stressing over whether or not they are genuine, I know they are. Real friends actually give a crap when you are down, not like the 90% of people who said and did nothing when I was feeling down, and they will also notice that something is up, not like the 90% of people who still haven't realised after 3 months that I've kind of disappeared. They will accept any issues you may have with certain things and not pressure you- if you don't drink, they won't make you drink, if you are uncomfortable, they won't push you. And you'll see friends more than once every 5 months because they have more important things to do and more important people to see. They will actually invite you out instead of leaving you sitting at home will they hang with others all the time.
And all in all, they will quite simply just be a friend.

[Naturefreak]

Originally Posted by MickG

"real people..." Yeah well that is the key.

A friend is someone who would die for you. Not because they want to but because they are standing so close they are in the line of fire as well.

Thanks Mike . Good answer.

My problem is I keep pushing them away . So I guess I'm not in that line of fire.

[Naturefreak]

Originally Posted by thunderbear

A real friend would be someone who does'nt get mad at you for little things. Someone who does'nt pick boyfriends/girlfriends over you. Someone who keeps your secrets without holding them against you. Someone who won't judge you. Someone you trust more than your brothers/or sisters (though in most cases your best friends are your brothers or sisters.) Those are qualities I want in a true friend. Unfortunatly all of my friends but one has done the exact oppisite of what I wrote. True friends are so hard to find. But when you do it's so nice having them in your life

Thanks T-bear. Those are some very good qualities you listed.
TRUST is the big one for me . I can't even trust myself sometimes.

[Naturefreak]

Originally Posted by Evening

A friend to me is someone I don't don't, I'm not constantly stressing over whether or not they are genuine, I know they are. Real friends actually give a crap when you are down, not like the 90% of people who said and did nothing when I was feeling down, and they will also notice that something is up, not like the 90% of people who still haven't realised after 3 months that I've kind of disappeared. They will accept any issues you may have with certain things and not pressure you- if you don't drink, they won't make you drink, if you are uncomfortable, they won't push you. And you'll see friends more than once every 5 months because they have more important things to do and more important people to see. They will actually invite you out instead of leaving you sitting at home will they hang with others all the time.
And all in all, they will quite simply just be a friend.

Thanks Evening for your reply.
Sorry to hear about your past misfortunes . I think 10% is doing good.
I remember the drinking thing when I was a teen . I didn't want to but did it because of my friends. (or so called). The problem was I actually liked it and drank many many times after that. Oh well, can't change the past.

A friend is someone who is trustworthy and reliable, even if they get under your skin at times.

[Naturefreak]

Originally Posted by TheByzantine

A friend is someone who is trustworthy and reliable, even if they get under your skin at times.

Thanks Byz. God knows I've done that ......... get under your skin that is.

[Shangrala]

I think...a friend is someone who loves & supports you despite how you may fail them. A friend is someone who you can be angry with, have respectful disagreements, (even to the point that the friendship may be put on hold), but..endures. A friend is someone with whom you can be your absolute self without any concern of judgement.

Forgiveness and acceptance is friendship that stands the test of time.

Shangrala

[Naturefreak]

Originally Posted by Shangrala

I think...a friend is someone who loves & supports you despite how you may fail them. A friend is someone who you can be angry with, have respectful disagreements, (even to the point that the friendship may be put on hold), but..endures. A friend is someone with whom you can be your absolute self without any concern of judgement.

Forgiveness and acceptance is friendship that stands the test of time.

Shangrala

Thanks Mary...........
Very well put.

[El-ahrairah]

A real friend is someone I would show with my actions how much they mean.
A real friend would do the same back.
A real friend would be almost parent like in a sense they want the best for you.
A real friend will always be willing to talk to you, say sorry when needed and never ever let ego get in the way.

[bluegirl...?]

A real friend is someone you can get along with easily and be yourself with them and you can trust them never to hold it against you. They accept your flaws and are okay with them while they also try to help you with them. they stand by you through thick and thin, even if they cant always be psychically next to you. they would do anything to stay friends because they love you. they dont care what people think when you're together. they have your back, even when you least expect it, and they can notice when you're down and will try to make it all better. A real friend is someone who is worth going through fights with, even if they can get intense. Their friendship is worth so much to you, almost nothing can go wrong. A real friend is someone who isnt afraid to be friends with you because you're friendship means way more than a popularity status or what parents think.

Sometimes, though, real friends have to say bye and let go, and if they are a real friend, they may not always be right next you, but is always in your heart, supporting and loving you. you could spend years apart and still be able to come back together and laugh and giggle with eachother like the old times. even when you say goodbye to eachother, you will still always remember and cherish them and love em and know how much they mean to you <3

[darkpurplesecrets]

A friend is one who will accept you for who you are and will be honest with you even when it hurts. They care enough to nudge you yet stand back enough to allow you to work through things. Even when you make a mistake they do not judge you but accept you for who you are.

A friend is someone that even when we disaggree or argue, can step back give the other person space and time to think, and grow through your differences.

A friend is willing to listen, be there, and yet set boundaries for themselves. Respect and honesty, forgiveness and communication.

dps

[siempre nada]

A friend is a person that has qualities that you love about yourself while also holding something that you need. Friends reciprocate what one has but what the other needs.

[Rhiannonsmoon]

A friend is family with benefits

Rhian

[Sabrina]

I don't make friends very easily. Not in real like anyway. My husband is my true, real and best friend. He is always there for me, loves me unconditionally and supports me wholeheartedly. I could carry on........ He is what I would describe as a friend. My husband.

[Naturefreak]

Originally Posted by Sabrina

I don't make friends very easily. Not in real like anyway. My husband is my true, real and best friend. He is always there for me, loves me unconditionally and supports me wholeheartedly. I could carry on........ He is what I would describe as a friend. My husband.

With a husband like that Sabrina , you really are blessed.
You deserve the best because imo you are one of the best.
Big squishy hugs to you if hubby don't mind that is.

[stayorgo]

A friend is someone who is there for you no matter what.
A friend doesn't just like you when you agree, or do what they want, but also shares in the things you like to do as well.
A friend is someone who you can talk to and not critisize. Some one who will listen when you need to talk, or talk to you so you can listen.
A friend doesn't care if you are fat, skinny, beautiful, ugly, etc. They are your friend for what you are and not how you look or what you have.
A friendship is not just all give, it has to be 50/50 equally. Even if they don't understand your point of view, a friend will still be your friend and realize that people don't have to agree on everything.
A friend should be your friend because they like you.

This is basically what I think a friend is. But it seems impossible to find a true friend. At least I haven't found one in my 55 years on this earth.