Well, firstly that's a little like saying how long is a ball of string, I mean, what makes a good friend, how can you tell a good friend from a bad friend? Well, I certainly can't speak for everybody, but this is my response to "What makes you a good friend", so I'll try to figure it out.

1. You're not related to me! -seriously, you are my friend because you like me, I mean really like me- we're not related, we don't have to hang out, we make the effort because we enjoy one anothers company.

2. I can be who I am and you'll like me anyway. You've seen me grumpy and sleep touseled, without make up, in grungy clothes - all the things we feel the need to put on to face the world, and yet you come into mine and like me as I am.

3. You've stuck with me. Let's face it, real friends are few and far between and yet you've stuck with me - and I with you, through good times and bad times. We've aged together and created collective memories.

4. I don't have to talk to you. This may not be a requirement for everyone, but it is for me. I need someone who is okay just sitting, not saying anything sometimes, just being with me.

5. But I can...We've shared secrets and sorrows, hopes and disappointments. I can call you to tell you that I bought a new dress (in fact, in that case I must call you), that the cat threw up or share the fears that weigh me down. You'll listen anyway.

6. You think about interesting things. I love that you are interested in all sorts of things - and even more that you're willing to listen to my interests.

7. You grow and change - and that helps remind me to do the same.

8. You open my mind - you have perspectives and ideas I wouldn't think of - and you'll bat them around with me.

9. I know if it needs to stay with you, it will - sometimes secrets are secrets - and I know you'll guard mine.

10. You say the things that other's won't say - whether it's "do you know you have a big green thing stuck between your teeth" or " you're totally kidding - those shoes with that outfit?" - and you're also the first to congratulate me and savor my success when I do well.

They say that friends are the family you choose - I thank you for being mine.