Simple versus Real friends

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

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his/her 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/she 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 seeksto help you with your problems.

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

A simple friend thinks 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.

by Friar Nasanathan OFM