Real Friends?

Anyone who has visited my Facebook page lately may have noticed on the left-hand side of the screen a category of faces titled "Real".  Facebook intended to have users separate their family members from the rest of the friends and display them prominently in this section of their profile page.  However, I chose to select a few friends instead of family and gave them the title of "Real".

Who do I consider a real friend?  Examples include not only saying Happy Birthday on your Facebook wall but actually making plans to celebrate with you in person!  A real friend is someone who you not only could confide in but someone who also feels that they can share their own personal stories with you.  After all, friendship should be a two-way street.  I think you are getting the idea now, right?

I am sure that you know a few people who have told you that they have hundreds, or even thousands of friends on Facebook.  Wouldn't it be nice to hear the truth - how many are REAL friends?  The other day, I attended a workshop on setting goals.  We did a brainstorming session on how to improve our relationships, both personal and in business.  The goals had to be specific and measureable.  Since social networking is such a popular theme these days, I decided that it would be a great goal to meet more of the people behind the faces of my 500+ Facebook friends.  I hope to move at least one face each month off the regular friends list and onto the REAL friends list. 

If you are not currently on my REAL friends list and you personally know me, please do not get insulted.  This isn't a special club I am trying to create.  It is just a way for me to measure one of my goals in life, which is to have friends that I can call, at a whim, to go somewhere  or do something fun when everyone else is too busy with their family or REAL friends.   I just started this project recently so I may not have had a chance to update your status yet - or you might have to consider some of my criteria and whether or not you have met it.  I will do the same.

I have thought long and hard about whether or not this category will cause tension amongst people who have known each other for quite some time.  I am hoping that the positive outcome of improving relationships will outweigh the awkwardness of not being publically on the REAL list.  Is this something you might consider doing too?  I would love to hear your feedback - and perhaps someday put YOU on the REAL list!

Best Wishes,

Rob aka The Weekend Concierge