Friendship is a very valuable thing. There are so many different qualities to look for. My best female friend is Crystal. I have known her for sixteen years. She has been there for me for just about everything. I can totally trust her with anything. I’m very close and comfortable with her family, too.

Friendships with males are a little more complicated. You never really know if you can trust them, if they’re going to be loyal, or take you for granted. Male friends are good for their points of view. Most of my male friends give me a basic idea of what they want in a female. It makes it that much easier to have a relationship. Plus they don’t complain as much and they’re very open and honest with their opinions.

There is a sister friendship as well. I have no brothers, so my male friendships cover that. In sister friendships, there are only a few things that you can tell your sister, because they link to your parents. You love them with all you heart, because they’re your sisters, but they can’t be trusted to keep everything a secret.

I have a wonderful friendship with my parents. They listen to me so well and they trust me. Even though some times they hate me, they love me more often. They never make me feel uncomfortable and they are the only friends that I trust one hundred percent.

Just remember: Friendship is a privilege, not something you should take for granted.

Nicole Marie Trudeau is a GED student at The Clinton Adult Learning Center.