True friends are indeed very rare like the pearl inside a shell. The sign of a true friend is that he or she loves you in your best part but lets you be yourself. The sign of true friendship is that you can be yourself and not expect to be judged or dragged to lower things. A true friend is always there with you in good and bad times, willing to share your burden gladly and ready to help if needed. He counsels you when you need it but doesn’t take offence if you do not accept the advice. He loves you as he loves his own self and stands by you even if the world opposes you. A true friend never abandons but leaves you free if you choose to move away. Taking for granted is alright as long as you are also allowed to reciprocate the same way.
So you see how very rare is true friendship. Especially one should be careful of friends who seek company to fill their loneliness or want you to accompany them in all kinds of activities that drag us down or whose friendship depends upon how much you can spend for them. Stay away from such friends as they are more harmful than enemies.
At your age it is very rare to find true friends because the personality and interests are changing. One has to accept this as an inevitable process of growth and self discovery. A few good friends are of much more value than a number of friends who are selfish and seek self interest through friendship.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
