What makes a friend?

In today's society, social networking such as Facebook and Twitter has made it easier than ever to keep in touch with friends, family and random acquaintances. Some people even get off on the large number of "friends" they have listed on Facebook. But are they really ones friends?

Personally, I have a LOT of acquaintances, don't get me wrong. I know of more than a few people almost everywhere I move to (it takes time but it does happen). I try and keep in touch with as many as possible, not necessarily because I'm narcissistic, but rather because I'm just extremely social. Are these people friends? My Darling Husband would say no and I'm starting to agree with him.

A friend, a true friend, does not judge you on just about ANY issue. You should be able to go to your closest of friends with almost any problem or situation without fear of judgement, abandonment or ridicule. You should be able to be as truthful to a friend as possible. Your true friends do not necessarily have to condone something you may do, but they are supposed to be there for you regardless.

Okay, so maybe incest, rape, kidnapping wouldn't be one of those things. But certainly if you came to them and said "Hey, uh, I kind of killed my soon-to-be Ex. Mind helping me dispose of the body?" they should say "Hell yeah!"

Am I right?

Friends are the ones you can call at 3am in tears, who will say "I'll be right there." Friends are the ones who say "Hey, I'm here no matter what." Friends are the ones who tell you that they know what you're going through and that they're looking for 4 bedroom homes when all they truly need are 3 because they are including YOU in their future plans.

Acquaintances are people who might look at your blog but rarely, if ever, comment. They're the people who show up on your "friends" list on Facebook but only reply to your status update once in a blue moon.

A friend is someone who, after they get a call at 11pm asking if they want to drink despite it being a weeknight, say "Come on over", whip out shot glasses and stay up for 36 hours straight because you needed to be around someone who understood you. Now THAT is a friend (You're welcome Matt).