Real Friends Vs Acquaintances

My mother used to tell me that when you look back on your life, if you can count the number of true friends you have on one hand, then you are blessed indeed...

I didn't get it at the time. I was the type who wanted to be everybody's friend. The terms "bad," "loser," "user," and most important "acquaintance," hadn't even entered my mind yet. I hadn't lived enough yet. I hadn't been kicked in the back enough yet. The world was rosy and I saw it through rose-colored glasses back then.
Lately, however, I've started to see what she meant. I believe I'm finally learning the difference between "Friend" and "Acquaintence." Here are a few differences I've noticed or may be rather realised.

"Friends" don't have a schedule for you to go by. They make time for you, even if it's just five minutes. Acquaintences give you a schedule, expect you to follow it and MIGHT be around when you need them. Then again, they might not. All depends on where they are in their individual minds.

"Friends" include you in their lives. You don't have to ask. You don't have to invade. The standing invitation is there. "Acquaintances" often make plans behind your back. You don't find out until later that they had a party, they saw you in the mall but were "busy" Sometimes, you even read about it. Strangers on their my space pages, blogs and fourms find out before you do.. Sad, but true.

"Friends" know what initiative is. You don't have to call them. There is no cat and mouse game. If they think of you, they call you. Likewise, if you think of them, you call them. without any notice..

Friends" are there in the sunshine and also when it rains. When you hurt, they hurt. When you celebrate, they are right there with you. "Acquaintances" have to check their datebook. They have to clear their schedules. And, occasionally, you MIGHT get lucky. Don't hold your breath though...

Finally, "Friends" take you as you are. They may disagree with some of it (me and my real true friends Jhonson,Blessy,(Dhrishti*) are always debating issues and it’s a lot of fun) but they love you just the same. You don't have to pretend for them. You don't have to change for them. And, if you decide to change on your own, you don't have to explain yourself to them. That is the value of a friend. ( I really dnt know how to thank them for bearing me soooooooo much.. hehehe..)

Unfortunately, in the fast-paced world we live in, I have very few friends and many acquaintances. Acquaintances whom I thought were friends. Then, I found out different. The phone calls decreased. The visits fizzled. And I am left with pictures and memories of a friendship that once burned so brightly. Now, it is just an ember. An after image of my glory days.
So, I begin a quest to make new friends. Hopefully, its the real thing this time and not just the illusion of it. After all, life is short and when the time comes and people look at your tombstone, it's the dash between the two dates that make all the difference. And i really don't want to waste another minute... Right?