The older I get, the more I realize friendship isn’t measured by how long you’ve known somebody. It’s measured by how they treat you, how they show up, and how they speak about you when you aren’t around.
To me, loyalty means knowing my name is safe in your mouth. It means you can tell me when I’m wrong without making me feel small. We can disagree, have a hard conversation, and still care enough about each other to work through it. A real friend won’t agree with everything you do, but they’ll be honest because they want to see you do better.
I want friendships where we can celebrate each other without keeping score. Where your good news makes me happy, even if I’m having a hard week. Where we can laugh until we cry, talk about what’s weighing on us, and feel comfortable being ourselves. Life gets busy, and we may not talk every day, but the love and effort should still go both ways.
I’m learning that being a good friend also means taking a look at myself. Do I check in? Do I listen? Do I give people the same grace I hope they’ll give me? I can’t expect loyalty while only showing up when I need something.
And sometimes, loving people means accepting that a friendship has changed. You can appreciate the memories and still set boundaries when the relationship keeps hurting you. You don’t have to turn somebody into an enemy to give yourself some distance.
I’m thankful for the people who show up with honest hearts—the ones who pray for me, laugh with me, hold me accountable, and make room for me on the hard days. I hope they know they have that same kind of friend in me.
Those are the friendships I want to keep pouring into. 🤍
