Over the years, I have learned the meaning of friendship and because of that, I have grown to notice what friends really mean to me. Everybody has different definitions of what a friend is to them, and the kind of friendship that they hold. Most of these days, I always ask myself what are friends? Are they really essential? Here is my answer:

1. Friendship is a two way street, it is never a one way street.

One thing I have learned over the years is that if you are constantly breaking your back for someone you call your friend and in return you are not receiving the same treatment, then it is time for you to leave. In a friendship you should never feel like you are constantly the only one who is reaching out and checking on your friends.

2. Friends are not mandatory!

If you feel like you are being forced into being friends with somebody, just move away from them. One thing my dad always tells me, is at the end of the day friends will not take you to where you want to go; it is only you who can make things happen. I have seen people who are perfectly fine without having any large group of friends--just one or two great friends can make you content with everything going on in your life!

3. Genuine Friendship

When you find genuine people or friends hold on to them! One thing that has made me a better friend over the years is observing the people surrounding me and their characters. Not everybody is genuine as to why they are friends with you, or they honestly do not embody a genuine spirit. Genuine friends will take you a long way. Having friends who constantly tell you things you need to build on as a person really helps.

4.Advice

As a friend never give your friends crappy advice! Tell them things that will push them forward in life and actually help them to grow. You don't have to listen to everything your friends tell you, but what they are telling you is not to harm you but to help you.

5. You need to be there!

As a friend you don't need to be there every second of every day, but being there at the lows and highs is all that matters. Having a friend being there for you really means the world, and it shows you that somebody actually does care for you.

Friendship is essential to me! It is essential because there is nothing better than knowing that you have friends who love, respect, and want the best for you. I'm not saying that I am the greatest friend out there, but I know how to be a friend. Somewhere out there are your special friends, now go and meet somebody...you never know!