College08, I feel the same,...some people say that word so quickly,but do they realy know what it means?..for me it's someone that tell's it like it is,even if the truth might hurt,that would listen to me bable even if she or he has heard it a million time's,..is there for the good and bad times.would know your most intimate secrets,and not tell a soul,..these ones are close to me.

Areal friend is someone who will be there when you really need a friend, some one who will listen when your ranting and raving about something or another. And most of all a real friend is someone you can trust.. I have a small group of friends i`ve known for 25 or more years, these are good and real friends.

wow 25 years I have one real friend you know that you can count on for anything and thats only been 7 years awesome for you!!!

I think it takes some life experience to recognize a real friend. I used to hang out in bars in drink almost every night with the same people. I thought these people were my friends until I became sick and never heard from them during my illness. That was 10 years ago and I no longer drink. I've developed some new friendships since then and now I can tell who my real friends are - they're the ones you can count on to help you out and who you also help.

Brian

A friend is someone that no matter what you do or say will be there with compassion, support, understanding, forgiveness and love. Someone who will put aside their own problems or concerns to help you with yours. Someone who expects the same from you. A friend will tell you when you are out on a limb wether with your thoughts or a circumstance in your life, but will do so with love and caring. A friend is someone who when you tell your deepest, darkest, most secret thoughts keeps them between the two of you and wont judge you to harshly for what you feel at that time. A friend is someone who grows with you.

A friend is someone that you give these things to also.

Dear College08, I feel the same as you. I noticed as time passes that I am less trusting of others. I find it hard to confide in other women and think that before I trust any one I would need to have many conversations. I also agree with pauline1964 completely, she hit the nail right on the head.

Thanks to all that replys to my question about friendship..I once had a friend,whom I meet in the forth grade,and stayed friends 20 yrs,and I loved her dearly,but lose her to death,she had a bad heart and die very young,she was one of those friends thats loved your kids as you do...I miss her so much and have not found a friend like her,(ever)...Other then my sweet hunbby,he's my bestfriend,Really!!!,but anywho,I hope we all find that best friend who we can trust and love as you love yourself...I have meet some good people,but all has been as they say,"Part time friends"!...and I love them all!!!..Well thanks to all for the comments,and hope they keep coming!!..I want to know how others feel about real friends...God bless to all~~~!!!