Looking back on Odysseus' life, we find four characteristics of true friends. First, good friends keep secrets. Keeping secrets is not always easy. We often are able to reveal other's secrets for personal gain or satisfaction. How sad it is when we lose our friend's trust.
Trust takes time to build between two people, but only a second to destroy.
Second, good friends speak the truth. Without speaking the truth, of all situations and of all things, a relationship is poorly founded and will not last. Third, good friends celebrate success together. When one person succeeds, it is the duty and honor of his friends to celebrate with him. A true friendship does not consist of envy and hatred when one succeeds and the other does not.