One of the most fashionable thing in today's world is sending friendship messages by email to almost each and every person with whom you have interacted with.  In some cases messages are sent to a person whom you have met only once and the possibilities are that you may never ever meet that person.  Sometimes messages are even sent to those persons whom you have never ever seen but have interacted through email on a number of occasions.

Another way of taking pride in our friendships is by sending sms.  Compared to emails sms or text messages are sent to fewer people, because there is a cost element in it unlike in the case of emails which is free.

When colleagues share a cup of tea or have lunch together it is perceived by them as they are friends and they proudly tell it to everybody. Some people throw lavish parties to please friends and keep them happy.  Others go together for picnics and celebrations.  Few others share celebrations with their friends at their homes and yet when  it comes to a friend who is need of help especially in crisis, none of the above categories of friends, email friends, sms friends or tea and lunch sharing friends are there for any help. When it comes to handling a crisis, these people have only sympathy for you and nothing else.

Even if a person who does not get along with you helps you in a crisis like taking you to hospital or paying your utility bills if you fall short of money, the he or she is somebody who can be considered as a genuine friend.

If anybody was of any use to you with a sincere intention in your bad days, then he is your only friend.

Regards

Satish