I took a long, hard look at the people around me and understood what their positive qualities were and why they were significant in my life. When I understood who they were as people and what they could give as friends, versus what I needed as a friend, I made my decision. It wasn't a decision said out loud or publicized. I simply directed my energy towards the people who needed my friendship in exchange for the friendship they had shown me. When I realized who was a true friend and who wasn't, it hurt. I felt a lot of pain, knowing that someone didn't care as much about me and my well-being as I would have liked. Only later did I realize that they could still be a part of my life, although not as involved as they once were