What do friends mean to you?

I have been inspired to write a few comments on friendship. I am very lucky to have very good friends. I hope that i am a good friend to them as well. They tell me i am. My friends have provided shoulders to cry on, ears to bend, laughter to share. I try to do the same for them. Over the last year several of my close friends have or are going through divorces and/or broken hearts. Just listening, offering support and maybe some advice from a relatively objective point of view just doesn't seem like enough when all i want to do is make the hurt go away. I know that what i can do is enough, it's what they expect, what they want. I wish it could be more.

Friendship is unconditional, non-judgmental. If you don't tell your friend something that's important to you in your life, it could be because you think they won't approve. Friendship should not be based on approval. I may not always approve of decisions my friends make but i support their right to make them and will support them however i can. Friends don't bail out because you've sailed close to the edge. They try to warn you and then walk as close as they can in case they need to catch you when you start to go over.

Friends are loyal. Friends are trustworthy. Friends let you talk as much or as little as you need to and they understand your need for quiet.

My heart is breaking for 2 of my friends right now. I may not always have the right things to say but i hope they know i'm trying to find the words. And if i can't, will a hug do?