“We never lose friends we simply learn who the real ones are.”
-Author Unknown

My grandmother used to tell me, “Everyone who smiles in your face is not your friend”. Now as a child and budding teenager, I didn’t understand what she meant, but as I continued to live and experience people, I began to understand. What I’m about to say may sound cynical or even paranoid, but like I previously said, I have experienced people on every level, so I can say with great confidence, not everyone who smiles in your face is your friend.

Friends are supposed to complement your life just like accessories complement your outfit. However, if your friends seem to stress you more than bless you, there’s a problem. I believe friendships should have four essential things; love, trust, accountability, and communication. We could add some additional attributes to this list, but I think these four provide a firm foundation not just in friendships, but in any relationship.

With that said, to help you avoid some of the drama I experienced over my years of living, I have created a list of friend-types who either stress your life or bless your life. After reading this list, I suggest you take inventory and decide which friends you may want to avoid, cut loose, or stock up on.