Are We Friends?

Michael Hernandez
ENGL 1020
Elizabeth Kent
25 April 2016

Table of Contents

1. Diary Entry
2. Poem
3. Friendship Poll
4. Dear Janet advice column
5. Friendship Recipe
6. Postcard

7. Conversation

Preface
With this project, I really wanted to give a bunch of different examples of the meaning of
friendship and what all it entails. Today, I feel like true friendship is sometimes a foreign concept
to some people. There are tons of t.v shows that portray cliche problems that friendships
encounter, and the typical BFF. I feel like these portrayals are what people actually go by
because television is such a big influence with people. What happened to being friends with
someone based on a similar interest? What happened to not judging your friend on their likes,
their ethnicities, etc.? I really want to give an accurate description of a good friend in this project,
and prove to readers that true friendship still exists. Hopefully by the end of this project, the
reader will be able to tell if the friends in their life are good friends and good for them. Hopefully
they will able to find friends that posses the qualities listed in this project and maybe even find a
new best friend.

Diary Entry

Tuesday, May 17th, 2010

Dear Diary,
Today, as I was walking to the bathroom, I overheard Jessica talking to a
group of girls about what a loser I am and how she only hangs out with me because my family is
rich and I have a nice house. I couldn't believe this! Jessica is supposed to be my best friend. She
was my first friend when I moved here from Michigan in 7th grade. We do everything together.
We go shopping, we spend every afternoon together, I even stayed with her in the hospital and
didn't leave her side once when she got in that accident. Our favorite online blog,
theoddeyseyonline.com, stated that a real best friend will always be there for you, and stand up

for you when no one else will. (theodysseyonline.com) It just makes me sick to think that she
would do something like this. Tomorrow I will confront her about what I heard and give her a
chance to explain herself. If I lose my best friend I don't know what I will do.

Wednesday, May 18th, 2010

Dear Diary,

Today I confronted Jessica about what I heard at lunch and she broke
down in tears as soon as I got done talking. This is a normal technique for her, because she hates
confrontation and being held responsible. She told me that she only said that because these girls
were trying to befriend me so they could throw their annual end of the year party at my house,
because I had such a great backyard and pool. I cant decide if I believe her, or if she is just
trying to cover her ass. Even if she was trying to protect me, saying these things was really
hurtful and something I don't think a best friend should do. You should never bad mouth one of
your best friends, or any friend for that matter. You should always stand up for your friends,
even if it makes you uncool. I really cant decide if I can forgive her, she really hurt me, and I am
a firm believer in if someone hurts you once , they will most likely do it again.

Friday, March 17, 2015

Dear Diary,
I cant believe I am almost finished with my first year of college. It seems like just
yesterday that I was a nervous freshman walking into my homeroom in highschool. I cant
believe all the great people Ive met this year, and the memories I have made. I saw Jessica for
the first time since our split yesterday. She has a new boyfriend, and is very into her sorority.
Sometimes when I think about it, I miss her alot. I miss how I told her everything, and I miss the
memories we shared. But then again, Im thankful that I had the strength to end our friendship.
That whole experience really gave me an insight of what a true friend is, and the things they do.

If it wasnt for her, I might still be constantly searching for her approval, and the approval of
others. Also, this article I found on thefriendshipblog.com, really helped me cope with losing my
bestfriend. One part in particular read, you have to let thing go in order to grow, sometimes in
life, bad things happen, in order for something good to come out of it. (truefriendshipblog.com)
This quote really gave me a lot of strength when I was feeling down, and kept me going.
Luckily, I have made many great friends since then, and a couple of best friends this year. I feel
like I can truly be myself with these girls, and they really get me.
Sincerely,
Grace

A Good Friend
By Michael Hernandez

Friendships come and go,

Like the rain or like the snow.
Some are short, some are for life,
And even sometimes, your best friend can become
your wife.
Some or short, some are tall,
For most people, their best friend is their most
favorite person of all.
But something we must remember, when times are
getting tough.
Is that if youre ever feeling alone or sad,
Your best friend will be there, even when you feel like
giving up

In this poem, I wanted to try and pin point some qualities that consider what a good
friend is. I tried to be sincere and short and list things that I believe a good friend consists of. I
thought a poem would be difficult to do, but it was actually pretty easy. Once you get going its
very easy to keep writing. Im hoping this entry will give a sincere mood to my paper, and let
readers reflect on their friendships and think of how special their best friend is, and how much
they mean to them.

Find out if youre BFF is actually

your BFF
1. How much time do you and your best friend
spend together a week?
a) 5 hours b) 8 hours c) 12 hours d) so much time that when
people see you alone they wonder if your friend is
severely ill.

2. How many members of their family do you

know?
a) a few b) most of them) c) their entire family tree and
origin history because their family is your family

3. If you called your best friend at 2 a.m

would they answer/come to your rescue.
a) probably not b) maybe c) yes, but with bribes d) be
there in 5 with snacks and drinks

4. How much do you trust your best friend?

a) a little b) with most things c) with my life

5) Do you get each other gifts on holidays,

birthdays, etc
a) no b) sometimes c) OF COURSE

6) Do you know your best friends clothing

size?
a) no b)yes
Results*
If you answered B or D for the majority of the questions, your BFF is
your BFF!
If you only answered B or D for a few questions you and your BFF are
pretty close.
If you answered A for most of the questions, you may want to rethink
your friendship!
Thanks for playing!
In this poll, I wanted to give some questions that would indicate if a person was
extremely close to their bestfriend. Merriam.webster.com describes a persons best friend as their
closest and most dearest friend. (merriamwebster.com) The person that means the much to

them and knows the most about them. I tried to give questions that was similar to this message.
All of the questions listed somehow relate to the closeness of two individuals. People taking the
poll can choose from a list of options regarding how close they are to their bestfriend, and by
doing this, they can determine how close they actually are and if their BFF is actually their BFF.
I hope this entry gave a little light and a little fun to this whole paper. It can give readers a fun
way for their friends and themselves to see just how close each of them really are.

Advice Column

Dear Janet
An advice column in a local newspaper.

Dear Janet,
My best friend of 10 years recently started dating my ex girlfriend out of the blue. He
knows that I am still deeply in love with her, and have been doing all I can to win her back. I
didnt even know they were seeing each other, let alone in a relationship. I have never felt more
betrayed in my life. My best friend has always been such a good friend. Hes been there for me
when I needed him, hes always been honest, and he has always stuck up for me. I cant imagine
why he would do something like this to me. He isnt considering my feelings at all and is only
thinking of himself. What do I do now? Please help
Signed,
Lonely and betrayed.
Dear Lonely,
I cant imagine what you are going through right now. I would feel betrayed and hurt as
well, if I was in your situation. Although it was ultimately a wrong thing to do, have you
considered how your friend may feel in this situation? He might genuinely have real feelings for
this person, and could even love her. If he is as good as a friend as you described, then he
probably wasnt aiming to hurt you, he just put his feelings above your own. As his best friend,
dont you want him to be happy? I know you are hurting, and I know you feel betrayed, but I
suggest that you guys sit down and have a heart to heart, before you ruin a 10 year friendship due
to anger. Let him at least explain himself and give his side of the story, before you write him off
and end a friendship. Hope it all goes well
With love,
Janet

The advice column constructed above is concerning a troubled boy who as recently found
out his best friend is dating his ex girlfriend. He feels hurt and betrayed, and expresses his
feelings to a local advice column known as Dear Janice. Janice tells him that although he has a
right to be mad, maybe he should examine all sides of the story before he rushes to assumptions.
Laura Brown from wordgrrls.com stated that, Read the question carefully, more than once.

Understand what is really being asked under the emotions, the frustration or negative feelings
expressed. As you begin your reply work in the original question, repeating back the information
in order to make clear communication. (wordgrrls.com) This is exactly what I tried to do when
constructing my advice column. I analyzed the question asked, and then replied taking my own
knowledge and personal events and constructed a response. She told him he had a right to be
upset, but shouldnt jump to assumptions. When doing an advice column, one should not judge
the letters they get, and try to be as understanding as they possibly can. The advice column above
relays one of my main points of when there is a problem in a friendship, one should at least try
and work it out before they give up on it.

Friendship Recipe

Steps to a healthy friendship

Step 1- Chemistry
Finding goo chemistry is the main factor in a friendship because most friends are
friends because they share similar interests.
Step 2- Honesty.

Having a friend who is true and honest is extremely important, because they will
tell you the truth, even if it is something you dont want to hear.
Step 3-Compassion
Everyone needs someone who will listen, comfort, and all around be there for
them in tough situations.
Step 4-Faithfulness
You need friend who will stand by your side. You need a friend who will stick up
for you, and continue to be there for you in if it isnt cool to do so.
Step 5-A friend who is FUN
Nobody wants a boring friend right? You need someone who will make you laugh,
push you to do things out of your comfort zone, and constantly make you smile.

All of the steps listed in the friendship recipe are important factors one should look for in
an efficient and long lasting friendship. My factors listed above are very similar to
TeenFactorFX.coms words that state one should seek out friends who have things in common,

friends they can put their trust in, and friends who make them happy at all times.
(TeenfactorFX.com). This recipe can be a good list for people to look at when determining their
friends, or if a person is evaluating their friendship with a certain individual. Sarah Casimong,
from classroom.synonym. com, stresses the fact that a good friendship should be beneficial to
all aspects of your life, and valuable friends provide you with emotional support, assistance in
times of crisis, positive experiences, and numerous health benefits. (classroom.synonym.com)
This is an extremely good quote that emphasizes my feelings towards friendship, and points out
more characteristics of a good friendship similar to my recipe. So when one is looking for key
components of a valuable friend, they would need to look for someone who has similar
likes/dislikes as them, someone who is honest, someone who is honest and cares for them, and
finally, someone who puts a smile on their face.

Postcard

The postcard entry signifies a close relationship between two people. The person on
vacation obviously cares a lot about their best friend because they took the time to mail them a
postcard while on vacation. The friend tells the other friend how much they miss them, and that
they wish they were there with them. This postcard is a good representation of some of the points
I have been stressing and some of the ideas I have been trying to relay to readers. Even though
its short, one could tell from looking at the postcard, that this person loves their best friend, and
is thinking about them at all times.

Conversation

Jackson: George, I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me man,
these last couple weeks have been the hardest of my life, and I dont know where I
would have been without you.

George: Dude, your mom passed away, of course I would be here for you no
matter what, your my bestfriend, its what we do.

Jackson: I know man, but you didnt have to come over at 2 in the morning last
night. I know you had that final to study for.

George: Dude, again, shut up. I will be here no matter what no questions asked. A
year ago, my brother got in that awful car accident, and almost died. You stayed at
the hospital with me for four days straight. You didn't leave my side. I dont think I
can ever repay you for something like that. Everytime something bad has
happened, you have been there for me. I honestly cant think of an incident where I
didnt have you or your support.

Jackson: Well man, Ive been here since third grade, and I dont plan on going
anywhere anytime soon.

This conversation is between two best friends who show very desirable qualities of best
friends. Jackson, whos mother has just passed away, is thanking George for all his support and
companionship. George, tells him that this is what best friends are here for and he will always be
here. Following an article from elitedly.com, the article titled 12 Qualities The Person You Call
Your Best Friend Should Have, lists qualities that your best friend should posses. A few of them
being: Trust, sympathy, support, and loyalty. All of these characteristics can be seen in the short
conversation between the two boys. They express their trust in each other, their sympathy
towards each others tragedies, and their constant loyalty to each other. Because at the end of the

day after the breakups and divorces and estrangements we choose the companions we want
in our lives, and they are the ones worth sticking around for. (elitedaily.com). This quote really
symbolizes the essence I have put in my paper, that our friends will be there through thick and
thin, and its important to have them.

Works Cited

Agintar, Laura. "12 Qualities The Person You Call Your Best Friend Should Have." Elitedaily.
com. 4 Mar. 2014. Web. 15 Apr. 2016. <http://elitedaily.com/women/12-qualitiesthe-per

son-you-call-your-bestie-should-have/>

Brown, Laura. "How to write your own advice column." Wordgrrls.com. N.p., 13 Sept. 2013.
Web. 3 May 2016. Path: http://wordgrrls.com/how-to-write-your-own-advice-column/.
Casimong, Sarah. "The Qualities to Look for in a Friend." Classroom.synonym.com. Web. 25
Apr. 2016.

"Definition of "best-friend"." merriam-webster.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 May 2016. <http://

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/best%20friend>.
Irvine, Irene. "Handling Breakups." Thefriendshipblog.com. N.p., 4 Feb. 2010. Web. 3 May
2016. <http://www.thefriendshipblog.com/category/handling-breakups/>.
Maxwell, Megan. "True Friendship." Theodysseyonline.com. N.p., Apr. 2016. Web. 3 May 2016.
<http://theodysseyonline.com/uc-irvine/true-friendship-kat-diltz/402299>
O'Connor, Lona. "A deep and lasting friendship; Through college, wars and civil rights struggles,
TJ and Calvin were the best of friends right to the end." The Palm Beach Post (West
Palm Beach, FL) 2013: Business Insights: Essentials. Web. 3 May 2016.
Partridge, Adrienne. "10 Characteristics of Friendships that Keep." Huffingtonpost.com. N.p.,
Dec. 2014. Web. 1 May 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adriennepartridge-/10-

characteristics-of-friendships-that-keep_b_6337526.html>.

Yacovelle, Jess. "5 Ways to Overcome Obstacles with Your Best Friend." blog.beyourownyou.
com. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 May 2016. <http://blog.beyourownyou.com/5-waysovercome-ob

stacles-friend/>.