How can you tell a TRUE friend from a FAKE one?

A TRUE friend supports you only when he believes that you are doing the right thing in your self-interest and welfare;

A FAKE friend supports you always, no matter what you do.

A TRUE friend respects you only when you have earned respect and act respectably;

A FAKE friend "respects" you regardless of your behavior - or misbehaviour.

A TRUE friend trusts you only as long as you prove yourself trustworthy, only while you do not put his trust to the test too often, and only on certain issues;

A FAKE friend "trusts" you with everything and always.

To summarise:

A TRUE friend puts to you a mirror in which you see REALITY and the TRUTH.

A FAKE friend puts to you a mirror in which you see your own reflection, yourself and nothing else besides.

A TRUE friend loves YOU in your friendship. He loves YOU even without your friendship.

A FAKE friend loves HIMSELF in your friendship - or loves the friendship itself, but never YOU.

With a TRUE friend you need never ask: "what is he getting out of this relationship?" for loving you is its own reward.

With a FAKE friend you must always ask "why is he still in this relationship?" for loving you is never enough of a reward.