Friendship

I was listening to a talk radio show and a caller was feeling apprehensive because he didn't want to let his friends, who are homosexual, know that he voted for Proposition 8 in California. The host then talked to the caller about something I feel very strongly about. Too many people throw around the term "friend" so loosely the word loses its power. A friend, a true friend, is someone who should know and accept that your beliefs and personality are what attracts the two of you to be friends in the first place. They don't have to agree with everything you believe in but they should understand that it's your belief. The main point is, if you have to hide your views or beliefs from your friend in fear of losing a friendship, you do not have a healthy friendship. Your fears may be unjustified and the person will accept your view but if they do not, they ARE NOT your friend. I have one true friend in my life and a few other people I would trust as friends, i.e. to always be there for me and base our friendship on our personalities and not how many tequila shots someone can pound down on a Friday night. The same people who feel they have to hide feelings from their "friends" are the people who are surprised when these "friends" abandon them when they are needed the most. Friendship is a blessing, not something to be tossed around carelessly. We should all strive to have as many as we can but make sure that they are all true friends who will be there when the chips are down.