“The only true test of friendship is the time your friend spends on you.”

“It is one of the severest tests of friendship to tell your friend his faults. So to love a man that you cannot bear to see a stain upon him, and to speak painful truth through loving words, that is friendship.”

Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) American clergyman and activist

“It is only the great hearted who can be true friends. The mean and cowardly, Can never know what true friendship means.”

Charles Kingsley (1819–1875) English clergyman, historian and novelist

“Friendship: A true friend will always listen to you patiently, assist you readily, stand with you boldly, advise you wisely, heal your wounds tenderly, and help you transform your pain effectively.”

Thich Nhat Tu (1969) Vietnamese philosopher

“A friend cannot be considered a friend unless he is tested on three occasions: in time of need, behind your back and after your death.”

Ali book Nahj al-Balagha

“Friends don’t spy; true friendship is about privacy, too.”

Stephen King book Hearts in Atlantis

“Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies.”

Richelle Mead Vampire Academy

“What sweetness is left in life, if you take away friendship? Robbing life of friendship is like robbing the world of the sun. A true friend is more to be esteemed than kinsfolk.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero (-106–-43 BC) Roman philosopher and statesman

“There is only one true wealth in all the universe. I have given you some of it. I have given your father and your mate some of it. And your friends. This wealth is living time. Time. Are we slaves because we have given you more time to live?”

Frank Herbert book The Green Brain

“I define friendship as a bond that transcends all barriers. When you are ready to expect anything and everything from friends, good, bad or ugly... that's what I call true friendship.”

Harbhajan Singh (1980) Indian cricketer