Best friends, drinking buddies, soul mates, what have you. Friends are a key component to a fulfilling existence. So important, in fact, that it is the third level (out of five) on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Only surpassed by physiological and safety needs, the need to belong, to be loved, to be supported, and cherished is crucial in personal development and motivation. Friends help achieve this basic need.
The tricky part about having "friends" is that while some are simply amazing, others may be toxic. In a person's path to self-actualization they test many friends. Some will bring you up, cheer for you, support you and others will...well they might not bring out the best in you. This is when one has to be savvy enough to think, "whatever" and walk away. As I watch my children enter the "making friends phase," I find it difficult to watch their heart ache when confronted with children who have not yet learned basic skills in friendship. At the same time, my heart is full when I see them laughing and smiling with a friend who has.
The reciprocity in a genuine friendship is infinitely rewarding for children and adults alike. The best things about one of my best friendships are exactly what I will teach my children. A true friendship doesn't have any competition. You are always each others biggest supporter. Friends will make mistakes, but there will be no judgment, just an apology. One quality I personally love is that I can always count on my bestie to tell me the truth. What tops the list for me, what is priceless and worth everything, is that a true friendship is based on who you really are.