Characteristics Of True Friendship

Aristotle once said “Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.” True friendship is a bond built off of selflessness and trust for it seeks happiness and good in another. People can give and take, but only true friends give without expecting anything in return. True friends play a major role in a person’s life and will listen more than lecture; help more than criticize, and understand one’s weaknesses while still focusing stolidly on the strong qualities of that person. They are the people that stick by one’s side and support them in their darkest hour no matter what. The four main qualities that define a true friend are loyalty, understanding, encouragement, and a positive influence. Loyalty is one of the main qualities one looks for when searching for a friend. Over time, trust is gained by having loyal and dependable friends. At least once in a person’s life, one will most likely encounter a friend that likes to share others’ secrets with other people. Although this would be entertaining for the listeners, the person that thought their secrets were safe is then feeling betrayed and it proves that their “friend” cannot be trusted. True friends do not publicize each other’s secrets, for there is a great chance it could destroy their friendship. True

Through the good, bad, and the ugly, true friends are the ones that are always there to lean on. Being understanding provides a sense of comfort knowing that one can always turn to their best friend when they need advice. Remaining loyal to one another allows one to put others before themselves and therefore increases selflessness and generosity. Encouraging others goes straight to the heart and allows one to believe in themselves and have a much more positive outlook in life. Oprah Winfrey once said: “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you