How to tell who your real friends are…

I spent most of the second half of the day, into the night, running back and forth from a hospital in Hollywood to LAX, to a friend’s house…

I was supposed to be working on an art project for a show that starts Tuesday. Had to call and negotiate hanging one of the pieces I am working on two days late, in time for the artwalk in downtown LA, but after the start of the show the work is in.

I stopped and considered the reasons I did these things. Thought about the kind of person I am, want to be.

And discovered something. That I am not the only person in my life who does these things, feels this way. California isn’t as artificial as I previously surmised. And there’s a good kind of energy running through some of the people in this town…

Because your real friends don’t care what you look like. They only see what comes from the inside of you, and that’s where your beauty lies.

They come running when the sky falls down, with a hug, and words of wisdom, understanding, and that infamous shoulder to cry on. And they let you cry, and scream, and punch if need be.

They lend you money when they don’t have any, drive without licenses to see you, bring you booze and cigarettes. They watch things they aren’t fond of, and listen to music you love, and somehow always find your joy in it.

They would jump in front of a train to save your life. Go out of their way to run that important errand you can’t. Tell you the truth even when it hurts. Lend you their clothes even though you are sure to stretch them out.

Real friends show up at your house with groceries when you are broke and cook you dinner. Clean your house when you are tired, or too sick to do it. Help you move, help you pack.

Real friends help you develop your social skills, and have no qualms of hitting you over the head when you screw up.

Real friends will love you, make love to you, and still be your friend. And call you the next day, the next year, and even when they aren’t near you anymore.

They read your blogs, and comment on your photos, send you silly things in emails just to make you smile.

I have friends like this. I consider myself very lucky.

And I hope they do too.

~ by tsukineko on 6 October 2008.