People have different definitions of who they consider "best friends" (I find it interesting how the adjective 'best' can be associated with a plural noun, but I digress...) My goal in life isn't to be everyone's best friend or to be liked by the masses. I want to love and be loved by just a handful of people I consider to be true friends. That's more than good enough for me to call my life an above-satisfactory one. When I say "true" friends I don't mean somebody who'd lend me lots of money when I'm dead broke and about to declare bankruptcy (That's a whole another entry). Nor do I mean somebody who'd go the extra distance to take vengeance for me. Those things mean jack shit to me. As a matter of fact if your definition of friendship includes the previous two then maybe you should give it some real thoght about what friendship really is. For me friendship is having somebody who can listen to you without prejudice, who can be critical yet always understanding and whom you can trust... In other words, they have pledged to be on your side no matter what. When those "conditions" are met then and only then can I feel comfortable with that person. And being absolutely comfortable with somebody is a fundamental element of friendship to me. Friends, I am forever grateful to have you be a part of my life.