True Friends

“Hard times will always reveal true friends,” or so the saying goes. But I don't necessarily think this is true. I think a lot of people are happy to help you when life is down in the dumps and you're hitting an all-time low. People are pretty nice on the whole and they will be there for you if you're depressed, stressed, or sad. Friends will be there for you to give you a hug, listen to your woes and bring you chocolate and pizza and flowers.

On the contrary, I think it's the good times that reveal who your true friends are. When life is great, when you're happy and on top of the world! When you’re dreaming big and achieving big. When you're pursuing and smashing your goals. That's when others’ true colours come out. Because whether they realise it or not, people will start to look at you and reflect on their own lives. And if it doesn't match up, they will show you negativity. Little things – facial expressions and passing comments. They might not even realise they're doing it. YOU might not even realise it. Hints of jealousy can be subtle and hard to spot. But don't be surprised if, when you're working on yourself and building the life of your dreams and living it, you start to lose friends.

When life is good, you don't need negativity. True friends pull you up and push you further. They encourage you to stay happy, stay focused and live life to the max. And they’re there to live it with you every step of the way. Nobody has time for the ones who say “you’ve changed”, or those who complain that you’re not spending enough time with them, or those who suddenly aren’t happy with the way you look, walk, talk or dress.

It isn't important to have a large social circle and lots of friends. It's more important to have real friends whom you can trust with everything: the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. They encourage you to stay positive and to not be upset about anything. They'll pick you up when you're down, and lift you higher when you're feeling good,

When you're sad and depressed, others have the higher ground and they'll be there to help. But when you are happy and on top of the world, the friends that stick around and still love you, push you higher and don't feel inferior – value them. They are the true ones.

It's true what they say: surround yourself with people that reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel. Energies are contagious. Surround yourself with people on the same mission as you. Your inner circle should be your source of strength when you are weak but even more strength when you are already strong; wisdom and advice when you are stuck; encouragement and motivation when you've set a goal; enthusiasm, positivity, energy, happiness. Forget the drama. And don't be afraid of leaving people behind. If they’re only happy when you're sad, and can't be happy for you when you're happy, then they're not your real friends. So, “pay close attention to those who don't clap when you win”. And, “don't be afraid of letting the circle decrease in size but increase in value”.