FRIENDS

FRIENDS.



Like a lot of words, this one has a wide variety of meanings:  "Listen, Friend."  Contains a veiled threat to someone who really isn't a friend at all.  BFF has been used until it has little meaning even at the specific time it's used.  By the time it's written, it's probably not true.  Because a real "BFF" is very rare and very precious.

Used in a description of another person it runs the gamut of "I've met her and know her by sight."  to "This person is dear to me."

Your Queen recently had the privilege of attending a gathering of 'friends' at Diane's castle.  During the gathering the meaning of the word 'friend' was discussed in the abstract.  But one of the definitions that came up, and that really describes BFF was this:  "When the phone rings in the middle of the night and the voice on the other end simply says 'I need you'. your automatic response is "I'll be there in ___hours/minutes.'"  A BFF never questions why you just know that whatever the reason is irrelevant.  You know that because they asked, it's truly important to them and being a real BFF that's enough.

When defined in this way, it whittles the friends down to a small few.  Most are lucky to have even one or two in their lives and it is definitely a reciprocal feeling.  You can't have one and not be one in return.

And, in looking back, most BFF's are in your life for a long time.  Just by nature.

Maybe we need a new word.  Something to narrow down the definition or supply gradients, before you get as far away as 'acquaintance' or as close as 'soul mate'.

And this Queen is so thankful for her BFFs.