Connections are everywhere: cell phones, the internet, Twitter, Facebook and texting to name but a few. You name it and we are connected to it. But what about more than a cyber-connection or a cold, faceless hyperlink on the internet? Friendships are hard to come by these days in a multi-tasking, fast paced world. So, how should you find friendship and, more importantly, how do you sustain a friendship once it starts?

One of the key points to remember when making real friends is being real. An authentic person can sustain a relationship whether it is a friendly, work or romantic relationship. People that pretend to be someone they are not will eventually turn into their real selves and you will probably lose interest. You have to be able to recognize authenticity in others, as well.

You have to be able to see which other people are compatible with the real you. I am not talking about the semester-long "friends" we made in college: best drinking buddies for 16 weeks and then nothing. Those friends are only "context friends". They only exist in the given context. Work, neighbors and hobby friends are also in that category. To find true friends to whom you can share most, if not all, of your life with are the ones you find when you are true to yourself.

Another key to attracting a true friend is to remember that they are looking for something, too. Give them something to like. If all you do is work, go home, and watch television, you are not giving them much to like. Try taking a class, join a gym, read a book or join an organization. People like other people who are active and interesting. Remember to only get involved in things that you are truly interested in. Do not do things or join in with things because that's where you think you will make friends.

The key to getting good, true friends is to be the kind of person others want as their good, true friend. When you do that, a connection will be made that will not get broken. A good friendship based on honesty will last.