Friends

Everyone at some time or another needs a friend to talk to. The term "friend" has always bothered me though. It seems too vague a description. I have over 300 "friends" on facebook, but am I in constant contact with all of them? No way! I haven't even seen some of them since high school. Some of them I've never actually met in person, we just became friends because of a common friend.

The definition of "friend" seems to vary depending what resource you use. Some define it as simply an acquaintance, others someone you have an affection for, someone who you know, like and trust, someone who is supportive, etc. Realistically, there are huge ranges or degrees of friendship. Don't the more important friendships deserve a different word then? I think they should. It doesn't seem fair to call a friend that I have not seen in years the same as the friend I see at least twice a week. They are both my friends. Oh, he's just a friend. Hey, friends, how are you all? Ehhh... <squinching> Even adding "best" or "close" friend doesn't seem to do justice. There should be some greater hierarchy.

In Mandermania, "friends" would simply mean anyone who is not an enemy. Even strangers may be friends if they have no opposition to one another. Perhaps they would be referred to as something as simple as "fa." They're just fa, someone you know, but not well. Then you would have those that you connect and interact with more closely - the friends you check in on and care about, know more personally. Those would be called "fa-la." Last but not least, you would have those rare friends you trust completely and have a true affection for. Their the friends you consider part of your family. Those, of course, would be fa-la-las, as in, "Oh, yes! We're fa-la-las!" and the person asking would say, "Wow! They must really be a great friend because you practically sang a song when I asked about them!" =)