With social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram being in our everyday lives, I think the definition of friend may have changed. It seems that everyone has at least ten "friends" on social media who they have never even met. These are not the kind of friends I'm talking about.
Unfortunately, everyone is going to go through gauntlets in their life. I'm not referring to a low test grade or a bad breakup, but a time when you have financial difficulties, can't find a job, get kicked out of your house, or someone close to you passes away. I've been through a couple of these situations in my life, and I am happy to say that I have some legitimate friends. Three years ago I'd say I had three "legitimate" friends, people who took the time to show me they cared.
About a week ago, I went through another gauntlet. It was at that time that I realized I'd made a few more. It's the small things that really mean the most to you at those times. A text or a phone call mean more than you can possibly imagine at those points in your life, letting you know that you’re not alone in your trial. I want to send an open thank you letter to anyone who has been there for me and my family through some of our roughest times. Any kind gesture made toward me has meant the world to me and has helped me through these tough situations. I'm glad that my parents have friends like that also. A couple of friends of theirs drove many hours to Long Island recently to attend my grandmother's funeral, to support my parents and to make sure that my parents, and my family, were okay.
To all of my friends and the friends of my family, I just want to say thank you. People couldn't get through the difficult times and horrible circumstances without having genuine friends, who take the time to reach out. I know it can sometimes be awkward to check in on someone or try to help a friend when they are going through a rough situation.
However, no matter how awkward you may feel or how busy your schedule is, know that even just taking a moment to send a text saying you’re sorry or asking that person if they need anything, even just to talk a bit, can often be the thing that helps pull that friend out of their discouragement in the trial they’re going through. It's also not something they will soon forget. Of course, I hope that none of you have to go through any gauntlets in your life, but if you do, I hope that I can be as good of a friend to you as you have been to me in my difficult times.
Obviously, being a real friend to someone doesn't mean waiting for something bad to happen to someone. There are many ways to be a good friend. For example, if your friend has something they do that's important to them, such as performing in a concert, competing in a bike race, running a half marathon or involved in a power-lifting competition, take time out of your busy schedule to go cheer for them. Support your friend in the things that are important to them.
Again, I have been lucky enough to have friends who have done this for me and if any of you are reading this, I hope I have done the same for you. Thanks again for being true friends. I just hope I can repay the friends who have supported me through my trials and endeavors by being a good friend in return, and to never be too busy or preoccupied with my own life that I don’t take the time to be part of yours.
