strangers on this road we are on

what is a friend?

friend

[frend]  --noun

1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter.
3. a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile.

if this is what technically defines a friend, then how did society place all these literal definitions on the title "friend"?

(definition found by some girl who quoted some person on facebook)

1. someone who is always there to listen to you, laugh with you, cry with you, & be there for you.
2. someone who knows your innermost secrets, desires, & fears.
3. someone who will not hesitate to tell you when you're being a jerk or when you look awful.

now, maybe it's just me, but i think #1 and #3 seem rather contradictory.  #1 is describing someone who caters to your every feeling, while #3 does just the opposite.  not to mention, wouldn't you want your friend to hesitate saying something they know will hurt your feelings?

i look at the majority of the "friendships" i have accumulated in my life & i feel hopeless.  these friends don't fulfill any of that facebook quote's requirements.  there are several friends i have, whom i consider my closest friends.  they are the people i tried my hardest not to keep at arms length.  & though i don't know their deepest secrets or desires, i love them & i will support them while we try to maneuver through life together.

strangers  by: the kinks

where are you going?  i don't mind.
i've killed my world & i've killed my time.
so where do i go?  what do i see?
i see many people coming after.
so where are you going to?  i don't mind.
if i live too long, i'm afraid i'll die.
so i will follow you wherever you go,
if your offered hand is still open to me.
strangers on this road we are on,
but we are not two, we are one.

so you've been where i've just come,

from the land that brings losers on.

so we will share this road we walk

& mind our mouths & beware our talk.

'til peace we find, tell you what i'll do,

all the things i own i will share with you.

if i feel tomorrow like i feel today,

we'll take what we want & give the rest away.

strangers on this road we are on,

but we are not two, we are one.

holy man & holy priest,

this love of life makes me weak at my knees.

& when we get there make your play

'cause soon i feel you're gonna carry us away.

in a promised lie, you made us believe,

for many men there is so much grief.

& my mind is proud but it aches with rage.

& if i live too long i'm afraid i'll die.

strangers on this road we are on,

but we are not two, we are one.

strangers on this road we are on,

oh we are not two, we are one.