This comes from my friend Danielle's blog, but I wanted to cross-post it so that maybe more people would get the chance to read it, because it's really relevant and important for people to read!

After spending a lot of time with Heather lately, I have come to a lot of realizations about the things in this world people do that I just can't stand. There are people in my life these days that never cease to disappoint me, and it shouldn't be that way. My new resolve, and Heather's I think as well, is to rid ourselves of these people and learn to move on and appreciate the people that never let me down. Among the things I can no longer allow myself to tolerate:

1. Not doing what you say you are going to do. For example, if you say you are going to call, call! It takes two seconds to follow up on a verbal promise like that. For instance, if you say you are going to call because you want to hang out, at least give the person the courtesy of calling even if you don't have time at that moment to hang out. I see myself and others spending time hanging on the verbal promises people make, and then we are constantly disappointed by people that never follow through. Don't say it if you don't mean it.

2. Lying. I heard someone say once that a lie by omission is still a lie and I believe that. Now, lets be realistic...sometimes its not always possible to be truthful. However, friends are the people you should never lie to. Sometimes we don't always tell our family the truth because it is necessary to be able to live your own life without too much prying. Friends do not pry unnecessarily and they should never judge. Friends deserve the whole truth because friends are the ones who chose to stick around and support you. I can't think of anything I would ever conceal from Heather, because as friends, I trust her. I can confide in her and I wouldn't do anything to hurt her. Even if I did something I thought she wouldn't like, I would tell her. Without honesty, there is no way to confront problems and move on. In essence, I have nothing to hide from her so I don't have to worry. Other people aren't as honest, and thus, the trust is gone. I can't be friends with someone I can't trust.

3. Taking people for granted. Friends chose to be your friend. They are people and they have feelings. If you take them for granted, it is only a matter of time before they wise up and leave your sorry butt in the dust. A friend will last so long as you make the effort to cultivate the relationship. When you begin to assume that they will always be there, no matter what, is just when they may decide to pack up and leave. A friendship is a relationship and it has to be a two-way street. If one person carries the burden of always having the be the one that gives and makes the effort, they will inevitably grow weary of it.

4. Using people for personal gain. I could name names (but I won't), but there are people in this world that only ever contact you when they want something. Maybe they want a favor, or they want to be invited to a party or such. They don't call to see just how you or doing and they don't call when they know you are down and need a friend. That's not a friend, that's a user. I don't have time for people like that and I am tired of seeing people do it to my friends. It's just plain selfish.

5. Pettiness. I am 20 years old, I know I have a lot to learn and I know that. It amazes me though when I am surrounded by peers who can still act like they are in high school and not feel any moral inclination to grow up. They still obsess over the "me, me, me" mentality. They are too concerned with what makes them happy to consider the consequences it may have on others. Now, I am not advocating living your life only to please others. That is certainly a futile practice. But when you chose to lie, use, or take someone for granted just because it makes you happy, that makes you a pretty low person. It is a sad existence when you get your kicks from hurting others. Those are certainly not friends.

With all of this said, can you think of something you have said you would do that you didn't make an effort to follow up on? Did you lie to a friend or keep something from them? Even if not, take the chance to let your closest friends know how much you care about them and why. Friends need affirmation just like a spouse or significant other. It is not enough to say you care, but your friends should know why. A friend should never feel like their good efforts go unnotived or unappreciated. Friends bring so much happiness, and only ask for a small committment in return. Friends aren't like like spouses where there is a ceremony and a legal document to solidify the relationship. Friends will stick around, but all they need is a little appreciation and they will be there through thick and thin.