Seriously, though...what are they for? Friendship is one of those unique, and dimensional realtionships with another human being that can be extremely rewarding AND testing all within days of each other. Humans, seem to need other humans to bond with in a non-sexual way in order to remain healthy people.

For whatever reason, the urge to not feel alone in your thinking and having someone support and promote your thoughts is invaluable. To be able to bond and relate without effort is worth its weight, and not something that comes along every day. In my teenage years, I had a buddy that was like the left hemishpere of my brain. We liked all of the same things: Music, food, girls...but I haven't spoken to him in about 20 years now. We didn't have a falling-out or anything like that, but about 3000 miles between us made it hard to remain as close as we had been, especially with growing-up, getting in the way.

I have learned over the years that I have been selfish about some of my friendships. I looked back and saw that I admittedly was not as interested in the friendship when it became difficult to be the friend I should have been. I like to think that I am a pretty loyal and helpful person now, but it took quite a few lessons to get there. Even Han and Chewie had their moments, but if you really try you can find something worth the effort.

Life steers relationships in many different directions, without our consent all the time. Friendships are sometimes casualties of this, and it seems as though the number of friends I have grown apart from is saddening. The caveat I have to this is that life also gives new friends. Those same life situations that take friends away, put you into contact with new people. Over the course of 2009, I have met a lot of new friends of whom I am extremely grateful for. I notice something new and valuable about them often, and look forward to having them in my life for a long time.

Cheers,