What Differentiates a Friend from an Acquaintance?

A friend is someone you can tell anything to and not feel judged, as in, not being made to feel worse about yourself, a bad call you made or an action you regretted. If they're a friend, even though they might disagree, they will be compassionate instead of condemning. They also won't feel threatened by a friend's success, but happy, and that, for many, is not easy to do; after all, success is much easier to accept if a friend doesn't boast or act superior and I don't believe a real friend ever would.

If a friend disagrees with you, they have the decency to be respectful about it. A friend does not compete and they understand you as is and accept you anyway.

Sometimes I pose this question: Can someone be called a "friend" if you censor yourself around them?

Acquaintances are people with whom you might get along and are happy to see, but don't have a strong connection with. They become friends when a connection develops.

Another question I ask is: Would you really be hurt or miss an acquaintance if they left your life?

In conclusion, I would like to believe that in friendships generosity of all things is recognized, appreciated and shared. Sadly, I often notice that there is always one who gives just a little bit more. The danger in that is one may feel a lack of appreciation and that builds up resentment; harbored resentment turns to bitterness.

Feeling acknowledged or appreciated goes a long way towards making friends feel content with one another.

In my experience, content friendships are the ones that last.

To preserve a friend, three things are required: to honor her present, Praise her absent, and assist her in her necessities.
- Unknown