Today At work (I am typing this on my lunch hour), I had been thinking about something that happened to me in the past couple of days. Now I have tried to just forget about it but that is hard. I will not slander anyone by name. I'm not here to have drama. I didn't join Fur Affinity to go around and start drama, be included in it, or be in "high school" again. I joined FA to submit artwork and show people my talents, learn from other artists, sell and buy art, make friends, and have something I can show in the furry community. I am not going to touch on what happened to me but I am going to talk about one thing that this event made me think on that I think a lot of furries need to be reminded of...

True friendship..

Many have forgotten what a true friend can be... Friendship is hard to rate.. Many people have their own ways of portraying how close of a friend they are or considered to be by another person.. Friends, Best Friends, Best Friends Forever, Family, etc... But there are a couple things that people misinterpret in friendship that has broken a lot of ties over time.

A true friend can understand that "no" is an option. You can't always agree with each other.. People shouldn't have to change anything about themselves to be a friend. You have to accept each other for who you are, what you do, who your with or hang around with.. That sometimes you may want to help them but you know you can't cause it will hurt you to do so.. It may sound selfish but if you can't take care of yourself, how could you offer to help a friend? How could they put you out like that? It can't always be like that.. There has to be reasonable ground..I'm not saying be a douche and never help your friends.. If it doesn't hurt you to help, than do help.. it will make you stronger of a person.

True friends will let you be yourself. They won't be afraid to point out your flaws.. You have to be able to know what they don't like about you and what you don't like about them.. Because you have to learn to accept your friends in every way.. even the ways you hate most..these thing may get on your nerves but if you can't accept them than why put up with it? Why secretly hate someone if they are your friend? Just accept their flaws and let them accept yours.

A true friend will compromise with you.. You shouldn't have to bandwagon..Example, "Oh my friend hates you, So I will hate you because they are my friend!" <-- Unacceptable... We are not children.. Many of us are young adults and adults. We should know better.. Friends shouldn't force each other to hate the people they dislike/hate/have drama with/etc.. It's wrong to do this no matter the reason.. Why put out more hate? I can understand if maybe the person your friend had drama with attacked you out of drama with your friend..That in itself is childish and wrong on that person.. But it really isn't necessary for anyone to break ties with another person because of drama that didn't involve yourself..

A real true friend will not make you a pawn.. They will not tell you to attack someone because that person is linked to someone they dislike.. They don't ask you to attack someone who hasn't done anything wrong to them or yourself. That is plain abuse of friendship. Friends are not there to be abused.. They're there to be people you can count on for support during rough times.. They can cheer you up when someone hurts you, they can give you advice when you need it but may not even know it, they can help you through life, and make life happier.. Friends are meant to make positive memories.. So why make them to negative acts? If your friend takes it upon themselves to defend you, that is on them.. friends aren't shields or gladiators.. they should be able to judge when they are needed and not in confrontations..In my personal opinion. Unless the problem effects them or is rooted by them.. They should in no way get involved.. If it was a physical fight I can understand this measure being skipped in certain circumstances.. I am doubtful any good friend wants to sit by and watch their friend get seriously hurt.. but if it's just a simple verbal confrontation or drama from old events.. There is no need.. That just adds stress to a friend's life..

Friends shouldn't be used for material gain.. Don't be someone's friend if all you want is free art or gifts.. Its thoughtful for friends to give to each other but it's a two way street. Don't abuse a friend's charity and return the favor. If you don't.. then you are abusing their friendship and being selfish..Sometimes we can't always return the favor.. that is fine.. but if it habitual than there is an issue..

Friendship if a neutral positive plane.. It should never be corrupted for selfish reasons. It's just plain unfair to everyone involved. We all can't be perfect..

True friends don't have to be attached at the hip. You can have separate space, separate lives, and still be as close as ever. You don't have to always drag your friends around or expect them to do everything with you or anything exactly the way you do.. People are unique.. There may be labels that people fit into but that doesn't mean they are exactly the same.. friends need to be flexible with each other and let themselves be who they are..

People change over time.. this happens.. friends can either accept these changes with each other or they can move on.. Only time can tell that one.

It's possible to have friends that will always be there for you even if they are polar opposites or even disagree with others you know.. you don't have to be like twins to even be close..

There's tons more factors to consider when it comes to friends.. But don't hurt each other.. don't force them to feel awkward so they do what you want. Don't guilt trip your friend's into inconveniencing themselves to make you happy. Don't use your friends for drama or material goods. Don't force them to change if it doesn't benefit them as a person...

This is all common sense and I hope those that read this understand what I am getting at about friendship