I know many people and we have friendly relationships, but I don't have many real friends. That is, probably, why I do appreciate that few I consider my real friends. It is hard to explain what friendship is for me. It is like a connection of souls, when you understand each other from one sight, one word, one thought.

I think the friendship is when friends can rely on each other. When you even can trust your own life to your friend. You know that he or she would never betray you. I think that friendship in some way is similar to love. It is to be glad to see each other any time, even when you do not expect or do not want to see other people, and be ready to listen and understand your friend. It is to be ready to help and to help. Do not lie to your friend and be honorable. A friend says to you what he or she really thinks, he/she does not just try to show you that he/she is nice. Friendship is to be ready to give something you also need to your friend, without waiting something in return. Your real friend would appreciate what you do. Friendship is a respect for each other. It is keeping your secrets from strangers. I think if you want to have a real friendship, you have to be generous and care about your friend.

I am proud of myself, that I do have a real friend and I proved my friendship to myself. Here is a story. I owe a 2 bedroom apartment in Kyiv. I decided to rent it before departure to USA, but I did not find anybody who would be interesting in it during some time. So, I decided to let my friend and her husband live there for free.

They lived with her grandma who gave them a hard time. So, I talked to my friend and she was so happy that she and her husband would be able to have their own place for the next couple of years, and that they should not spend money for rent, which is really expensive in Kyiv. So, after I promised them they could live there for free, I got a call from a person who wanted to rent my apartment.

Can you imagine that situation? I just talked to my friend, I just made her happy, and now I should talk to her again and say that there is a person who is interested in my apartment. It was a really hard decision for me. "You know, I was going to another country, I need that money for my education, for my family, why should I just give it away for free?" said my "black side."

My "white side" told me: "She is your friend, do not upset her. It is very important to her, be generous." I did not know what to do. I asked a piece of advice from some of my relatives. They told me: "What are you an Angel of Mercy? Go and rent the apartment. Don't be silly!" But I decided not to change anything. I refused to rent it, and I did not mention that possibility to my friend. At first, I did not want her to know what I was doing for her, and second, I knew if I would tell her that there was somebody interested in it, she would never take it. So I wanted so much to tell her what I did, because I was so proud of myself, and I wanted her to appreciate what I did for her. But I did not do it, because she is my real friend and I love her so much that I don't want her to think about something that could upset her in any way.

I think this is a real friendship, and I am so happy I do have this feeling in my heart.