"A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, & continues a friend"

I have never realized how much people make the world go round until I stepped foot into college. Once I left a world where money covered a lot of things, life was different. I've realized that no matter how much money I have, I won't be happy without the consent of myself and others. No one and no thing alone can make you happy. You must first allow yourself to be happy and part of that will always involve sharing it with others. No wonder betrayal is one of the most horrendous emotional and relational experiences. Believing that you had a friend or a lover when they actually were not. It hurts. We take it personal, naturally. Its a pain you literally feel in your heart and those are the worst kind of hurt. Its a false happiness. It leads you to question everything on so many levels from the past and lack faith for the future. You will never fall in love again. You can't trust anyone to be a good friend, obviously. When someone betrays our trust, it is a big deal. You can do anything. You can walk away numb. Or angry. Essentially apathetic or productive in a way that involves lashing out at those who have done nothing. Or you could face it and leave with a clear conscious, no matter what side of the situation you are one. One thing I have learned about friends over the past year is that a true friend will make mistakes, maybe even break your trust some, but always be willing to discuss it, even have it out, before walking away. A true friend or lover would rather face it than give up on the relationship, because it is just worth it. I have really found some great friends that I would have a thousand uncomfortable conversations with to keep. And we have all had it out a time or two, because we aren't afraid to say how we feel. Our friendship is not founded on every changing great times or listening to complaints. Because the foundation is stronger, we don't fear the storms. We all have faith that the other won't walk out because of a difference. Don't live with the regret of losing a friend. I hate to bear it, and I haven't the past year. Because someone who walks out wouldn't have stuck around much longer anyway.