12 tips for acting like a true friend

Gretchen Rubin offers 12 tips on how to be a true friend.

And I filed it under *Health* because little is more beneficial than "true, honest to goodness friendships."

I could not have written these better myself. I think there is absolutely nothing she has left out! For more specifics please read the article. In fact, go visit it anyway. This comes from a fascinating site called the Happiness Project!

1. Be supportive when your friend has bad news.
2. Be supportive when your friend has good news.
3. Don't gossip. It's not nice.
4. Keep a secret.
5. Exchange favors.
6. Don't criticize a friend's sweetheart or spouse—and, at the other extreme, don't flirt with a friend's sweetheart or spouse.
7. Be kind to a friend's children.
8. Be friendly to a friend's friends.
9. Show up.

10. Remember birthdays.
11. Be nice to their pets.
12. Help a friend think big.

The power of friendship is not to be underestimated. I have had friends who have given me courage; who have been the wind beneath my wings; who love me no matter what. Because of valuable friendships, I was able to quit drinking and embrace a life full of possibilities. This is the power of friendship.

So when I hear terms like "true friend"...i think to myself..."But what other kind are there?" Anything less than a "true friend" is not a friend at all - but perhaps an acquaintance?