What do you want most in a friend - someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you?



Real friendship is supposed to last entire life, but finding a real fellow is not easy. I consider that each person wants to be surrounded by individuals who share almost similar personalities. From my point of view the most important characteristic of a good friend is reliability. In the next essay I will expose my arguments regarding this statement.

Firstly, in my country there is a saying that sounds approximately like this "A good friend is present for you when you are in need". During life, humans can experiment all kind of difficult situations, such as illnesses, money issues, unemployment, mental problems, exam failures. These are times when friends and family should offer understanding, help and support. A real friend does not run, but instead gives a piece of advice or a shoulder to cry on. I can speak from my own past. When my generation finished college, the economic crisis began and finding a job was quite difficult. After a few month I was able to get hired, but my friend from high school could not. I knew that she was having a highly stressing period, so I decided to recommend her at my work place. Finally she was called to interview and received a job there.

Secondly a reliable friend is more likely to be sincere with you. A true companion does not only mean having fun together or small talks, but saying when you are doing a mistake too. Even though being frank might be disturbing and affect a relationship, I consider that a mature person would understand that it is a method to give help. A few years ago I started not to take care about my health and I was eating a great deal of junk food. Of course I gained much of weight in a short time, but I did not pay attention to that. My best friend try to explain me as gentle as she could about my kilo problems, but I ended by being upset with her. She did not give up and made subscriptions to the gym for both of us, helping me to take control over my weight again.

All these being said, I prefer reliable friends in my entourage, because they are those who can make a friendship last forever.