The one thing I have learned is that true friends will always be there for you. They take your faults and your weaknesses and help you through them. But too many times I've seen friends turn on each other. I've seen first hand how friends can be cruel to each other. So, why do we continue to make friends with those people?

Here are 5 ways to know that your friend is a true friend...

1. They Make You Laugh

Anytime I am down, my true friends are always there for me. They stick with you through the good times and bad times. When you're sick they take care of you and make you laugh along the way. Through cheesy jokes or even silly conversations, true friends understand each other enough to make any occasion better.

2. They Help You Fight Your Battles

It's always important that your friends are by your side. Even when you think you do not need them, they're there. They stick up for you, defend you, and fight beside you until the very end.

3. They Hold You When You Cry

Even though it's hard to admit for some, we all cry. We all have that moment of utter defeat or sadness and all we want is a shoulder to cry on. This is what friends are for. It doesn't matter happened in the past, when you're down a true friend is there to lend a shoulder.

4. They Do Not Old A Grudge

Friends fight... it's a fact of life. But the good thing about true friends is that they do not hold a grudge. No matter who's fault it is, true friends will always forgive each other. They will always move on with you because ultimately, you guys love each other like family.

5. They Hold You To A Higher Standard

True friends will never let you be less than you are. They will help you strive for your goals and push you harder than you can push yourself. They will not let you stoop to a level that you can not come back from. A true friends knows you, your morals and talents and won't allow you to be anything less than what you truly are