The Ranger Online

Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Opinion

Adriana F. De Leon [Click to enlarge]

The people we choose to associate with can have a strong effect in our lives.

Anyone can say they're your friend, but how do you know who truly is?

When I was 6 years old, I remember my family moving into a new neighborhood.

I was scared and nervous because I did not have any friends in the area.

One day as I was practicing my Rollerblade skills, I noticed this girl swinging on her swing outside on her patio. I skated to her house and asked, "Do you want to be my friend?"

She kindly responded by saying, "Sure!"

As the years passed, our friendship continued to grow stronger, and Elizabeth Garcia and I are still best friends.

I was confident and comfortable expressing my feelings and thoughts to Garcia because I trusted her. I could tell her anything and not be afraid of her judging me or my secrets being revealed.

Trust is very important in any relationship because it represents how a person values the inner thoughts of another person.

A true friend is a person who lacks selfishness and enjoys helping a friend without expecting anything in return.

The days I have a problem or just need to talk to someone, my best friend listens and advises me.

On one occasion, my mother and I had gotten into an argument, I was crying under the stress and I left my house. I went to Garcia's house and when I arrived, she welcomed me with a hug because I was crying hysterically.

Garcia allowed me to stay the night, and I was happy because she gave me positive support.

I feel Garcia can sense when I am hurting and have a problem just as I can sense the same in her.

I used to have a fake friend whose name I will not publish, but the relationship ended because she started to gossip about me behind my back.

I disclosed personal information to her because I trusted her, but I learned from another individual that I should not trust my fake friend.

A third party had informed me my fake friend was discussing my problem dealing with my parents. My parents had gotten into an argument, and my father left the house.

I was hurt and angry that my fake friend was talking about my family to others. I did not want my personal life being judged by others. I needed a friend who was going to listen and lend me a shoulder so I could cry.

The conversations my fake friend and I shared were supposed to be between us; however, it was the opposite.

I call that a "fake" friend.

So, should we keep our friends close and our fake friends closer?

I prefer having my true friends closer. I don't want any more drama in my life.

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