I asked myself “What is a friend?” and was startled by the implications of the answer I gave. A friend is someone who shows that (s)he loves you (trusts you, respects you, whatever your personal criteria is).
Saying “I love you” or “you’re my friend” is easy and thus mostly unimportant. Those words are symbols for something that’s already been proven through hard-won experience and growth together. False friends are easy to pick out because they give up on the friendship at the first sign of difficulty, showing they care much more about their own comfort than the possibilities waiting behind tough circumstances.
An honest friendship will never allow temporary circumstances to interfere with it, because the bond of friendship exists outside of time, shining light on the hidden forces encircling us all and teaching us about ourselves, about life, about one another.
In order to live a rich life in the company of those whose love you share, cast aside fear and embarrassment, be true to yourself and good to those with whom you would share the path through this life. Every courageous action begets an infinity more, and every friendship echoes in eternity.