friends: how many of us REALLY have them???

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4 anyone who knows rap music, Whodini once asked this famous question: "FRIENDS... how many of us have them"?! I've always pondered this question. Many people are very "free" with the term "friend". They toss that label around like a frisbee! But, what REALLY constitutes a friend? I guess we all have our own definitions, but here's what I think: A TRUE friend ACCEPTS u 4 who u are NOW, not who u MAY become in the future! They accept U, the PERSON, NOT your POTENTIAL! AND, they accept ALL of u, "the good, the bad, the ugly"! A TRUE friend RESPECTS u! They DON'T take u 4 granted. They respect your boundaries. If u say NO sometimes, FIRMLY, they accept that, and don't disregard it, constantly trying 2 change your mind. Sure, sometimes, a friend can try 2 convince u 2 do something that they feel is in your best interest, but if the coercing is more 4 THEIR benefit, and NOT yours, u have 2 really look at that! A TRUE friend will tell u the TRUTH! Of course, they will also take care of your FEELINGS, and not just disregard them. Sometimes, a BLUNT approach IS needed, but even THEN, it can be done in a way that conveys true caring and love, NOT just criticism. A TRUE friend is there 4 u, in your DARKEST hour! This could be any number of things, from financial problems, relationship problems, family problems, and many other things. They don't have 2 "shoulder" your burden as their OWN, but they are supportive, and they do whatever they can 2 help, within their OWN boundaries. They DON'T abandon u, though. I could go on and on, but I've just noticed how alot of people LABEL people friends, because they have light banter, or they work 2-gether, or go 2 school 2-gether, or sometimes, some people label EVERYONE they've ever crossed paths with a friend. I think alot of people are AFRAID 2 admit (2 themselves) that they may NOT have as many "friends" as they'd like 2 believe, and in some cases, no REAL friends at all! I'm not saying that all "friendships" have 2 be "soul-stirring", or deep at all, if that's not what u're into. I just think we all would be wise 2 really EXAMINE those we deem friends, and discern whether that is OUR TRUTH or not. I guess I have high standards 4 friendship, because what many call "friend", I call "associate", or just people I've interacted with. 4 me, it's gotta get really DEEP, with the FOUNDATION (being trust, respect, honesty, open communication, and FULL ACCEPTANCE), B-4 I can call someone a friend. What do U think? What are YOUR standards 4 friendship? If u take an honest, HARD look at everyone that u consider a friend, do u still feel that that's true? Feel free 2 say whatever's on your mind!