"Friend"

What's the deal O'neal? I'm doing good on this beautiful Thursday evening. I think today is the first day in a week or so when the humidity hasn't been above 50 percent. Aside from the weather i want to get into the "concept" of friendship. For a little while now, 5 or 6 months,I've been thinking about the people around me and who among them i consider a friend. Friendship, to me, isn't based on ANYTHING except for a common bond between two people. If you can't accept the person for who he/she is then why be around them right?
Some of the people around me don't share the same views as me and that's lead to a few minor confrontations to say the least.
I read this book called THE PROPHET in May. In one of the passages the author states, "Let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit." That line hit me like a MACK TRUCK! I think i even shed a tear because of it lol. I think that line/passage was so compelling to me because it helped me settle the conflict i had within myself.
I was at odd with myself because i had these people around me that i basically didn't feel comfortable with; i didn't trust them. I was hearing stories about me that were inaccurate and they were coming from inside my "camp". That shit fucked me up! People who i wouldn't dare betray were throwing dirt on my name.
Two weeks ago i uncovered one of those weak-minded motherf***ers. I had my doubts about this dude, but i never took action. He said something, scratch that, he implied something and i called him out on it. Long story short, i made it clear that he and i weren't cool anymore. Whenever he comes in my direction he keeps his head down and walks further confirming my notion that he was one of the dudes in my "camp" throwing dirt on my name.

(Short Break)

I've come to this conclusion. If i cant accept you for who you are and i feel uncomfortable around you then I'm not fucking with you (excuse my french). I'm open to the opportunity of meeting people, but I've been around enough bullshit to smell it when i see it. I've taken the steps to eliminate those kinds of people and the energy they bring with them from around me. I got a bit more work to do in regards to my definition of friendship, but I'm moving forward. Isn't that all that we ask of ourselves?- I'm talking about progress and moving forward.