A pause for reflection -- Anyone can stand by you when you are
                    right, but a friend will stand by you even when you are wrong...
 

                    A simple friend  identifies himself when he calls. A real friend
                    doesn't have to.
 

                    A simple friend opens a conversation  with a full news bulletin
                    on his life. A real friend says, "What's new with you?"
 

                    A simple friend thinks the problems you whine about are recent.
                    A real friend says, "You've been whining about the same thing
                    for 14 years.  Get off your duff and do something about it."
 

                    A simple friend has never seen you cry.  A real friend has
                    shoulders soggy from your tears.
 

                    A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.  A real
                    friend has their phone numbers in his address book.
 

                    A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.  A real
                    friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you
                    clean.
 

                    A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
                    A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
 

                    A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.  A
                    real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
 

                    A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.  A real
                    friend could blackmail you with it.
 

                    A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.  A real friend
                    opens your refrigerator and helps himself.
 

                    A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an
                    argument.  A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until
                    after you've had a fight.
 

                    A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.  A real
                    friend expects to always be there for you!