I believe that celebrating others reveals your true character and tells others how you truly feel about them. Are you genuinely happy for them when they’re blessed or do you force a smile to hide your own insecurities? This is where being a good person gets tricky and trying at times. Sometimes those insecurities sneak up on us and remind us what opportunities we haven’t taken advantage of in life and that can hurt but only you can control your destiny.

Even if you don’t have a lot of friends, it’s important that you treat the ones that you do have well. I don’t have any siblings, so I try my best to treat the people that God send into my life as a family. My circle is small, but the few genuine ladies that I do know and associate myself have a special place in my heart. My secret is simple; I treat people how I would like to be treated.

Growing up, I always longed for that “sisterhood bond”. That natural connection that you have by blood, but share in spirit. Unfortunately for me, I’ve never had the opportunity to experience that, but I’ve met some pretty dynamic young women along the way. As I matured into a young woman and became the person I was destined to be, my friendships were centered on more like minded individuals. I began to invest in people who were more like me, Goal oriented, spirited, and adventurous. That added so much value to my life.

Those Women showed me so much about what the world had to offer. Whether they were eclectic, eccentric, odd, materialistic, or just plain old Jane, they all sprinkled a little bit of who they were with me and for that I am forever grateful. I like to think of it as God showing me that good people still exist.

I am thankful for those moments, and the many life experiences that helped to shape us into beautiful young women. We managed to overcome wearing slouch socks and Reeboks to queening in Chic blazers and clutches’…  That’s evolving and that’s the beauty of evolving together… The process of Queening together is one that leaves you with imprints of sisterhood over your heart. I thank God for all of my good girlfriends… They are all one of a kind!

• Always Listen- Sometimes just having an open ear is good enough. She may not always need advice, just someone to hear what she has to say.

• Be yourself- There’s nothing worse than finding out your friend isn’t who she pretended to be. It’s either you are or you aren’t. Don’t be a fake friend.

• Have her back- I can always count on my girls to have my back even when I’m wrong. They may tell me about myself, but that’s only after they finish taking up for me.

• Celebrate her accomplishments- Celebrate your friends in the most positive way possible. Always let them know that you care about whatever they are invested in. Never miss an opportunity to show support of a new job, education goals, or relationships.

• Cater to their Interest-We all have different interests, but it costs nothing to make it your business to learn what makes her tick.

• Build her up- I love to tell my friends what they’re good at. I pull out the most amazing facts about them and remind them of how amazing they are whenever I get a chance. Never let a god friend forget why they are here on earth or their worth.

• Reciprocate is not just a word- Never just take, take, take. Remember that a good friend always gives back just as much as she’s given. That helps level balance and respect in your friendship.

• Be Reliable- Do what you say you’re going to do and try to be dependable. Be there for invitations, respond to texts and calls, and never miss a big day!

• Don’t Keep Secrets- I understand that people sent share everything, but you better share what’s important or what can hurt you. Don’t harbor big secrets or it can change your friendship in the future.

• Don’t force change- Accept your friend for who she is. It’s okay to be different as long as there are positive changes being made.