Do not be too quick to call someone your friend. Before you address someone as a friend, such a person should have made a lot of sacrifices for you. Friendship is not established through mere words or a single meeting; a lot should be involved.

Have you ever asked yourself what type of friends you keep? What positive impact has your friend had on your life? Is your friend someone who laughs with you when you're together but speaks ill of you behind your back? Is it a friend who does not find joy in your success or progress? Is it someone who destroys and blackmails you behind your back but pretends to be nice whenever you are together? Is it a friend who is always after your downfall? Is it a friend who pretends to like you but secretly hates you? Is it a friend who does not wish you well from the depths of his/her heart? Is it a friend who finds joy in your failures? Is it a friend who does not tell you the truth? Is it a friend who does not support your business or career? Is it a friend who does not care about your progress? Is it a friend who does not support you financially whenever you are in need? Is it a friend who does not rejoice with you in your victories? Is it a friend who distances him/herself from you during difficult times? Does he or she genuinely like you as much as you do? Is it a friend you can trust to some extent? Is it a friend who can stand by you in times of trials? Is it a friend who can cover up your shame? Is it a friend who is not always jealous of your progress but instead is genuinely happy for you? Is it a friend who seeks to pull you down when they notice you are doing better than them? Try to ask yourself these questions and answer them honestly.

A friend can lead one to success, but a friend can also lead one to everlasting pain and sorrow. Friendship is not something to take lightly; it is a serious matter that everyone needs to examine carefully. Keeping or having friends is a good thing, but how real is your friendship?

A true and loving friend is rare, but if you find one, hold on to him/her properly because if you lose him/her, you may struggle to find another. Learn to categorize your relationships with people; not everyone you meet should be called a friend because friendship is more than just words. Keep and maintain good friends who will lead you to success, not the other way around. Friendship is not a joke, be wise about whom you call your friend.