What is a friend?

friend |frend|nouna person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutualaffection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.
Seems pretty easy, cut and dry.  Yet, it is something eludes some of us quite a bit.  More and more I am re-minded that I know people much more then I would say we are friends, as well as they would too.  Maybe real friendships are just extremely rare, few and far between.  Been told that a few times in my life.  Starting to think everyone that ever told me this, really was right and knew what they were talking about.  Course, I am learning that lesson all too well too.
Overall I know these are just things that I refused to ever accept.  Finally though, after years of non-stop bashing my head into a wall, yet another one of life's lessons are finally sinking in.  Wish I had learned this much earlier, what else is new for me though?  But learning I am finally doing.
So what is a friend?  Think it i someone that is honest with you.  That person you will listen to as well.  Having real trust in them that they have your best interest at heart.  Sometimes it is amazing how that person is right there in front of your face and you don't realize it.  Something I intend to not forget ever again!