Friendships.

A friendship is not being inseparable

it's being separated and

nothing changes.

Friends. Friends are great, they are needed during good times and bad. But, what is the definition of a "friend"? What is the difference between a friend and an acquaintance? Where do we draw the fine line between a friend and a best friend? What makes a best friend?

These are questions I often ask myself. Yes, I have friends. My husband is one of my best friends. The type of friendship my husband and I have is a different friendship between one of my girlfriends. Everyone needs that friend you can call up no matter what time it is and know that they will be there with a listening ear.

All through my life I have struggled with friends. Sure, I have had many friends, and always had someone to hang out with. This brings me to first question, what is the difference between a friend and an acquaintance? I feel like everyone has a different definition. My definition of an acquaintance would be someone you know. Someone you have hung out with maybe a few times, a Facebook friend.

There have been different events in my life where I have felt my true friends (I would say best friends) shine through. One of them is moving 16 hours away right after high school. At the moment I found out who my true friends were. The ones who have stayed in touch throughout the past 5 years. 

Another event was when I got married. Being one of the first of my friends to get married some feel it is harder to connect with me. (makes sense) Then again very few "friends" have stayed in touch since my wedding. This brings me to another question, What makes a best friend? The difference between a best friend and a friend would be the best friend is there for you know matter what, puts the same amount of effort in the relationship, someone you can count on at all times, someone you can share secrets with. A friend is one step below that. You still can count on them, but don't get to terribly upset when they let you down, someone you have fun with and have hung out with more then a handful of times. Someone you share memories with, but not as depth as a best friend. A best friend is also someone who is honest  with you about anything, someone that can tell you what they feel without the worry of you hating them because of the unspoken trust and know they have your best interest. 

Friendship is hard, just like any relationship it takes 2. One person can't give it their all while the other sits there not trying. It takes effort from both individuals, they both have to work at it and want to continue being friends. Both parties have to be on the same page, are we besties, or just friends?

Over the years I have learned it doesn't matter how many friends you have all that matters is who is there for you no matter what. Who would do anything for you? I have also learned it is not easy making new friends the older you get. I feel like it was so much easier to make friends when all you had to worry about was who wanted to play barbies, and color with you.

It sucks losing friends, especially best friends. It sucks looking through photos and remembering all the memories you have made together. It almost feels like a break up. It's sad how some people will let a boy or another friend or a few miles get in the way of your friendship. I am a firm believer that if you want to make a relationship work then it will be very successful.

I would like to thank my friends, the ones who have stuck by me through thick and thin. The ones who I know I can count on no matter what. The ones that still stay in contact over the years.