everyone has different expectations and standards. from life, from work, from family, from friends.

the essence of friendship has been a load on my mind lately.

what do we expect from our friends? do these differ, according to the level of closeness and relationship?

mine are very simple.

i expect to be loved unconditionally. i expect moral support. i expect total honesty.

and in return, i have done and will do the same.

i do not expect to be judged. i do not expect mates to freak out on me. i do not expect to be lied to, or be kept in the dark when there are concerns about myself.

my friends may do things which i personally do not agree with... but i love them no less.

there is a big bunch of lovely folks in my life who i call my best friends. some of them know each other, some are "stand-alone" entities. some of them i see on a regular basis, some of them i catch only once in a blue moon. all are very dear to me, and to whom i am fiercely loyal to.

i believe i am a good friend.