What makes a true friend?

I found myself reflecting on that question today.

Many of the people I still consider friends are people I knew back in the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Some of them I have not spoken to in a long time.

Yet I still consider them friends.

That made me realize that friendship is not simply about how often we talk.

Recently, I have also made friends through YouTube.

At least, that is how I see them.

Not because we meet in person.

Not because we chat regularly.

But because over time we have built a genuine connection through the videos I share and the conversations that follow.

Of course, not every commenter is a friend.

What stands out to me are the people who are willing to tell me what they truly think.

Especially when it would be easier to say nothing.

Recently, one of them pointed out that some of my drone footage looked wobbly.

Not to criticize me.

Not to make me feel bad.

But simply because he noticed it and cared enough to mention it.

That made me think.

Perhaps a true friend is someone who cares enough to be honest.

Not only during the comfortable moments.

But also when they notice something we might be overlooking ourselves.

Someone who helps us see what we cannot see.

Whether I have met them in person or not.

Whether we speak every week or every few years.

I think that is one of the qualities I value most in a friend.

Someone who cares enough to tell the truth.