Friend or foe

This topic is in reference to all those people out there who claim to have 5 and 6 best friends. I have often heard of such things, back in high school when the girl you are trying to get next to introduces you to 5 or 6 of her "BFF" thats best friend forever, for those who dont know. I have sat back and really started to analize what that means to have a friend. Im not talking about that person that you have known the longest, Im talking about that person that is almost like your bother or sister. I often get a lot of forwards describing what a friend is, so thats why I am writing this blog to somewhat outline what I think of a friend.
To me the true nature of a friend is someone that makes you a better person. These are some examples of the things that a friend would be willing to help you with.
advice, good or bad, it comes from their heart and it is given to make you feel the best you can or to let you know the truth.
encouragement, when others, including family members, seem to doubt your ability,
helping hand, when you are moving across the nation, picking out stuff, or just day to day activities.
back up, in case of altercations, dissagreements, etc
stability, someone that will not change when times get rough