Being a friend and having one is one of the most important roles anyone can have. There are things that you can tell a friend that you cannot tell a spouse or a parent without making you feel badly.

A friend is a person who knows all your faults and short comings and accepts you for who you are. There is nothing that you can say or do to make them think less of you because they already know everything there is to know. They are the first one to come running when they hear that you are in trouble and need one to just listen.

It is very important to have a few good friends as even your family will let you down once in awhile but a friend will never let you down. A true friend will stick closer to you than a brother or sister. They will support you no matter what you want to do and encourage you to go for it whatever it is. When you need someone to give you their honest opinion you can always count on your friend to tell you like it is and you may not like it but you know that it was said for your best interest. If you need someone to talk to at midnight they are there and if you just need their company they are there. No matter what it is or where it is they will be right there by your side to help you even if they don't say a word. Just the fact that they are there is a comfort to you.