At some point or another, we have all let our tongues slip and get the best of us.

It is human nature to say things that we don’t really mean, even when we have the right intentions.

So, do we really mean it when we call someone a friend?

Ever since I was a kid, all I’ve ever heard is, “Oh, yeah I’m friends with them!” Are you really friends with that person or has the word “friend” become just another empty, overused word?

I’m flattered when people refer to me as their friend, but I often wonder how they can call me their friend when the only thing they know about me is my name and phone number.

Surely, a friend should be held to higher standards than that!

A friend is someone who is concerned for another’s physical and internal well-being.

They are always willing to give of themselves, and they certainly don’t use you as a means of convenience.

One thing that really irritates me is when people complain about someone taking advantage of them, and then they turn right back around and become “friends” with someone who treats them the same.

The main way we learn in life is through experience. When it comes to figuring out whether someone is really a friend or not, it takes time.

Sometimes it may even take being let down, disappointed or hurt before you realize who a person really is. But it’s all about what you do with that hurt and disappointment that makes the difference.

People should take a lesson from their past experiences and use them to help better understand what a friend is.

I believe the letters in the word “friend” can best explain what the expectations of one should be.

The F stands for ‘‘forever.’’ A friend is not here today, and gone tomorrow. Anyone can stay around when things are good, but a true friend is one who sticks around even when things are bad.

The R stands for ‘‘remember.’’ Even a good friend gets wrapped up in life and becomes busy, but they will always make time to check up on you.

The I stands for ‘‘irreplaceable’.’ Real friends commit themselves so much to the point that the other person finds them hard to replace.

E stands for ‘encourage.’’ Whether someone tears you down or lifts you up when you make mistakes will allow you to clearly see if that person is genuine or not.

The N stands for ‘‘negotiate’.’ A friendship doesn’t mean the relationship is problem-free, but the willingness to find common ground when there’s a disagreement shows true character.

Finally, the D stands for ‘‘determination’.’ This means, no matter what, a real friend will always remain loyal.

These things sum up what a real friend is. For those who think they don’t have enough friends, hold tightly to the ones you do have.

More “friends” could possibly result in more problems, so be thankful for the ones you do have. To you, a friend may mean something else but, whatever it means, be sure the people around you fit that profile. In the meantime, be careful how you use the “F” word.