It's funny how people seem to stick to their own group of established friends and not allow anyone else in. You know - your best mates today - were once strangers! How weird is that?! Think about that for a moment... you weren't born knowing them... and they are not family... so what made you become friends with them in the first place? What did you think of them the very first time you met? Did you like them immediately? Were you jealous of them? Were you intimidated by them... or were you the one who intimidated them? Or perhaps you had a preconceived idea of what they were like!! Either way -I bet you never thought that they would become one of your best friends!!

So what does that tell you? Don't judge people at face value - be open to meeting new people. Every new person you meet could turn out to be one of the best friends you'll ever have. Friends, and I mean good, close, reliable friends, are one of the most important things in your life. At some point in your life - you're going to need your friends - for whatever reason... and so it would be nice to have many good friends you could call on (just in case the ones you already have today are busy out playing Frisbee with the neighbour's dog! It could happen!!)!

I'm 26 years old and I have many different types of friends. I have friends who are teenagers, friends who are my own age, friends in their 40's and friends in their 80's! I have friends who are into psychology, friends who are on the dole, friend who are in the media and friends who are private business owners, friends who are rich and friends who find it hard to live off their weekly wage! I am open to having friends from all walks of life and I am thankful for each and every one of them. I really feel they all help me be the person I am and all their different personalities bring a lot to my life.

So the next time you meet a new person - treat them like they are already one of your closest friends. Make them feel welcome and significant. Be open to meeting new people and expanding your circle of friends. Build your new friendship - and still maintain your established group of friends.

I've often heard people say "I have enough friends; I don't have time for anymore... I barely have time for the one's I have". NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!! You need to make time for the friends you have, and time for meeting new people. If you had thought that way when you were first introduced to your best friends now - It might have prevented you from having them in your life today!! Think about what you could have missed out on... or what you could be missing out on if you do not change your thought patterns about friendships.

So now - open your eyes to new friends... give them a chance... widen your circle... and say hello to new best friends... you can never have to many friends... and that's a FACT!!

BFF J

Katie Jane xx

P.S - BFF stands for Best Friends Forever (translation of friendship language 2010!!)