How to Recognize a True Friend

Just because you've known someone for years doesn't mean they're a true friend. You may think you have to accept things like envy, foul language and comments behind your back, but you deserve better. Follow a few guidelines to recognize a true friend.

Instructions

1. Pay attention to how your friend reacts when something good happens to you. Be wary of attempts to copy everything you do. This is a sign of envy. A true friend supports your successes and encourages you to reach beyond what you think you can do.

2. Count the number of fights you have in a month. An occasional disagreement is a healthy part of friendship. Weekly fights over minor incidents, however, may indicate that someone can never be your true friend.

3. Take note of the kind of language your friend uses when you fight. Four-letter words may be part of today's culture, but you don't have to listen to language like that. Test whether someone is your true friend by noting any offensive language directed at you.

4. Pay special attention to what others tell you about your friend's behavior when you're not around. True friends don't make snide comments behind your back. A person should tell you directly if they don't like something you did or said. Good friends aren't afraid to be honest.

5. Leave any friend who drives you to tears or demonstrates violent anger. True friends are supposed to offer you support no matter what rough patches you're going through. Arguments and disagreements are natural; emotional abuse isn't.

Tips & Warnings

• Be as critical of yourself as you are of your friend. You get what you give.

• Tell your friend if foul language is offensive. They might just have a bad habit that you can help them overcome.

• Don't break off a friendship based on just one factor unless it's something that really brings you down, like constant jealousy or emotional abuse.