This is a really insightful piece that comes from my friend Danielle's blog. I felt like I should share it here because of what it says and the importance of the message behind it. Hope you enjoy...and perhaps, take something away from it.

It seems a lot of people in my life have been having friend issues lately. It makes me sad because your friends are supposed to be the best people in your life. A person loves their family, because, after all, they are family. You don't get to choose them, but you love them anyway because you are connected. Friends are by choice. If a person isn't deserving, then they don't qualify as a friend. When something goes wrong, your friends are the ones that are there for you because they want to be. A friend doesn't judge and can always be honest, because that's just what they're there for. It is a special bond and it should be taken seriously or else it falls by the wayside and you will miss it one day when you realize you were too stupid to care for it while you had it. A good friend visits you when you are sick and calls just to see how you are doing...not because they want something. A friend doesn't just come around because there is a party or something; a friend comes around just because they enjoy the company and it makes life a little more bearable. If you are reading this, stop and think to yourself...have I been a good friend lately? Also stop and consider whether or not your "friends" have been good to you. Do the two measure up? If not, no matter who is the lacking party, the friendship probably is in serious need of mending. A friend once lost, doesn't come back. A friend that is respected will stay around around until life dictates otherwise.