Let's be honest—life feels a little lighter when we have someone to laugh with, vent to, and rely on. But here's the tricky part: how do we really know if a friend is genuine?

With some people, things just feel right. With others, even after years, there's still a lingering doubt. So today, let's talk about how we can tell the difference between true friends and those who are just around when it's convenient.

They show up, not just speak up

A real friend is there when things are not going well. Anyone can send a funny meme when life is smooth, but will they show up when we're dealing with loss, burnout, or anxiety? A true friend doesn't need a perfect script—they just need to be there. They check in without needing to be asked. They notice when our mood changes, even in texts. They're present, not just available.

They celebrate our joy without jealousy

Let's say you finally got that job, or you're glowing from a new relationship. A true friend doesn't suddenly become distant or throw cold comments like "must be nice." Instead, they're genuinely happy for you. We've all had moments when someone's smile felt forced. True friends don't treat our wins like a threat—they cheer the loudest and mean it.

They disagree, but never disrespect

Even the best friendships have their disagreements. But how we argue says a lot. Real friends don't use our past against us. They don't mock our feelings or ghost us when we push back. Instead, they listen—even if they don't agree—and they talk things out instead of walking out. It's okay to say "we see this differently," and still feel safe in the friendship.

They respect our boundaries and space

True friendship isn't about constant contact or control. It's about mutual respect. A real friend won't guilt-trip us for needing a break. They won't snoop through our messages, demand constant updates, or make us feel bad for saying "no." In fact, they encourage our independence because they trust the bond is solid even with a little space.

They don't keep score

Have you ever had a friend who always reminds you of what they did for you? "Remember when I helped you move?" or "I listened to you cry for hours, now it's your turn." That's not friendship—it's a transaction. Real friends give freely, without expecting something back every time. There's a balance, yes, but not a scoreboard.

They stay the same in front of others

One of the biggest red flags is a friend who changes their tone, attitude, or even humor when other people are around. Do they mock us to fit in? Do they forget to include us in group plans? A true friend remains steady—whether it's just us or a crowd. They speak of us with respect, even when we're not in the room.

They grow with us

Life changes us—new jobs, cities, relationships, and even values. A solid friendship adapts. True friends may not walk the exact same path, but they're willing to adjust and grow alongside us. They don't shame us for evolving, and they're curious about what matters to us, even if it's different from before.

So, what do we do now?

We don't need a hundred friends—just a few good ones. But we do need to learn how to tell the difference between seasonal friends and life-long ones. That means checking in not just on others, but also on ourselves. Are we being true friends, too?

Lykkers, have you ever had a moment when you realized someone wasn't the friend you thought they were? Or perhaps a time when a quiet friend turned out to be your strongest support? Tell us in the comments. Let's help each other recognize and appreciate the real friendships in our lives. Because when we find the true ones, they are worth every bit of our heart.