Taking Stock: Who Counts as a Friend?

Who really counts as a "friend"? What's the definition of "friend"?

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust; "he was my best friend at the university"

ally: an associate who provides cooperation or assistance; "he's a good ally in fight"

acquaintance: a person with whom you are acquainted; "I have trouble remembering the names of all my acquaintances"; "we are friends of the family"

supporter: a person who backs a politician or a team etc.; "all their supporters came out for the game"; "they are friends of the library"


Wikipedia has a whole entry on friendship.

To me, that first definition resonates: A person you know well and regard with affection and trust". Affection and trust.

So, for me right now, who fits into that category?

Affection -- I feel affection for a number of different people. Trust, though... aha, there's the rub. Trust doesn't come easily to me.

I guess an even more practical definition of "friend" for me would include spending time together.

A friend is someone:

That you can call on the phone early in the morning, or late at night -- and they'll see your number and pick up.

You can call on short notice and figure out something to do together, because they were thinking about it, about the same time, too.

You can spend time with and not need to continually talk.

You can go to a pool or spa with, and not get all tense about having more exposed skin than you would in the office.

who, when they have something stuck between their teeth, you'll tell them. And vice-versa.

Who will spend a Saturday afternoon helping you go through your closet, telling you which outfits look good, and which don't.

Who will pick up your kids or watch your dog if you need help.

Who will be there when you need ANY sort of help.

You can cry with just as easily as laugh with.

You can be honest with, and share your fears ass much as you can share your bravery.

Who likes you for who you really are, and vice-versa.

There's a lot more, but this is a start.

Who are friends? How do you make friends?