well, really i have a lot more, but for the purpose of this thread i'm only discussing three of them.
friend #1: I've known for a number of years. never asks for anything from me, although i would gladly do what i could. when i've needed anything, he's there in a heartbeat to help.
friend #2: I've known for about a year. has asked for small favors, copies of magazines i have and read, articles, etc. I have offered help and support tons of times without being asked. He has offered support in return, but not much more.
friend #3: a new friend. but so far, a good one.
so i mention to all three that i would like a letter of recommendation for something. Its not totally necessary, and i didn't ask any of them specifically, i just said that i'd like one. of course, there's no cost except postage, and the time is whatever they would have liked to spend on it.
friend #1: sent me a beautiful, well thought out letter. very personalized and clearly spent a lot of thought on it.
friend #2: nothing.
friend #3: emailed me a nice letter to send, and said they hoped it was enough but would gladly mail me one too.
I think I've discovered that friend #2 is a "fair weather friend" only. that sucks.
friend #1: I've known for a number of years. never asks for anything from me, although i would gladly do what i could. when i've needed anything, he's there in a heartbeat to help.
friend #2: I've known for about a year. has asked for small favors, copies of magazines i have and read, articles, etc. I have offered help and support tons of times without being asked. He has offered support in return, but not much more.
friend #3: a new friend. but so far, a good one.
so i mention to all three that i would like a letter of recommendation for something. Its not totally necessary, and i didn't ask any of them specifically, i just said that i'd like one. of course, there's no cost except postage, and the time is whatever they would have liked to spend on it.
friend #1: sent me a beautiful, well thought out letter. very personalized and clearly spent a lot of thought on it.
friend #2: nothing.
friend #3: emailed me a nice letter to send, and said they hoped it was enough but would gladly mail me one too.
I think I've discovered that friend #2 is a "fair weather friend" only. that sucks.

Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below 
















side of things, agreed with Raina, better to know in advance over a relatively small thing than when the help is REALLY required
helping you move house? 80% of the time. but when it comes to bigger things, ie 2am phone call to go to the bank and wire a grand to your mate who is stuck in another state, or drop everything and come and help (for free) on a construction site becasue youre about to lose the contract and are freaking out, or backing you up when there are 4 maori guys wanting to kick your face in - im there.