Facebook friends aren’t real friends.

Instagram followers aren’t real friends.

A real friend is not someone we collect, but someone we respect.

• A friend never conducts a relationship exclusively over digital and social media.  The reward of a friendship is in experiencing the now.
• A real friend doesn’t have to remind themselves to reach out because real friends are always thinking of those who are important to them.  My best friend and I always knew when too many days had gone by without meaningful contact.  We knew and we acted.
• Real friends do not judge.  If the Pope can say, “Who am I to judge?”, what is our problem?
• Real friends always ask what they can do for us, not what we can do for them.  And vice versa.
• A real friend is never jealous or envious – friendship does not thrive in this atmosphere.
• A real friend is always there, always cares and stays connected in meaningful ways.

The difference between a friend and an acquaintance is values.

Maya Angelou breaks down the difference like this:

“Most people really don’t become friends. They become deep and serious acquaintances. But in a friendship you get to know the spirit of another person; and your values coincide. Friends may disagree, but not about serious matters. A friend will stand for you when you are no longer able. A woman can say to herself, “If I die, I know that my friend, my sister friend will be here to hold up the banner.” Now that’s very profound”.

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