There are many differences between an acquaintance and a true friend. An acquaintance is someone that you pass by and come into contact with during your life, and who may have a fleeting impact that is not lasting or durable. A true friend is one who stands by you no matter what, and who actually cares about the real you. These are the people that you can discuss everything with and who understand the person that you are inside. These people are not attracted by your outer beauty but the beauty of your spirit instead. They are there for you through life's roughest times without fail, and would never desert you even if public opinion has turned against you. An acquaintance may belittle you, put you down, or talk badly about you when you are not present but a true friend will always hold you in high regard and defend you to others if you can not.