Fair Weather Friends

I think everyone must have some of these. You know, the ones who are only in your life when you're blowing sunshine and rainbows up their asses? Then when the storm clouds roll in, they're nowhere to be seen. I've had my fair share of these 'friends' for years and years. The problem is, you usually cannot spot them until it starts raining! While the sun is shining brightly, they'd have you believe there's nothing that can come between you. However, into every one's life, a little rain must fall (to quote a famous phrase). So I have learned, that the truest test of any friendship is hardship.

Flighty friends come in every shape, size, and gender. There is no age requirement either. Back as a teenager, I had someone I thought of as a great friend. Turns out my boyfriend was someone she liked. She got jealous and lied to me in an attempt to break us up. In my twenties, there were a few frightful examples as well. There was the one who begged me to drive across Canada with her, so she could move to BC from Ontario. Then when we arrived, she told me to 'go home' because the people in BC were becoming better friends with me than with her! (insert eye roll here) I've had a few guy friends who couldn't stand the heat either. Quite a few of them who would turn tail and run when it was known I wasn't 'easy'. The absolute hardest lessons from not-so-friendly friends has definitely hit me full force lately, however. You would think thirty some odd years would have me as an expert by now, but alas no.

So I am getting tougher in response. I have weeded out my friends list on Facebook, literally. I am quite capable of being supportive in times of great stress as WELL as in good times, but if you're not willing to do the same for me, I am done. Its hard for me to admit that I don't have as many close friends as I once thought, however its also made me treasure those who I do share a special bond with that much more. I'm very appreciative of the awesome people who don't flee at the first hint of danger, who will stand by no matter what stress I'm under or what stress they're under. That IS after all, what true friendship should be. To those who are friends, "Cheers!" to those who are not, "Sucks to be you."