Best friends. Everyone desires one. We want soul sisters or brothers from other mothers and “Married to my best friend” is a popular decorative on social media bios. Oh, to have that one person – or handful of people – to whom you can eternally spill the deepest longings of your heart and soul! There’s no doubt that companionship is a fundamental part of life. Life is founded on relationships.

In our culture today, I think many have a inaccurate perspective on what deep friendship truly means. Somewhere along the way it’s possible to lose sight of crucial elements that make up a best friend.

Sometimes we don’t prioritize honesty. Often we choose friendship over truth. We value being included and accepted so we stay quiet and let issues pass. Being a person of conviction and encouraging your friends to be the same is the best thing you can do as a friend. I know a friendship is true and real if I can be my most honest self, honest and passionate, and the other person listen. I personally believe it’s a mark of real care to say (in love) the hard truths.

I’ve always thought friendship meant an unconditional, steadfast love that accepts every person for exactly who they are. But as I grow up, I realize that a true friend is someone who gently and firmly drives her friends forward to the best they can be. This kind of friend encourages to right the wrongs and do things that grow them, even when it’s tough or uncomfortable.

“A true friend freely advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues as a friend unchangeably.” –William Penn

True friendship encourages positivity. 

True friendship tells the truth. 

True friendship commends when it is deserved and confronts when it is necessary. 

I have a number of flourishing friendships in my life, a wonderful gift from the Lord. Some stood beside me as I got married. Others come and go but each make a special impact on the woman I am today.

{post inspired by darling mag}