Friend... What does it mean, to u???

I know what family is. I have my own definition of a "friend". I also know that each of us need a "support structure". Family is stuck w u. Friends come and go; in and out of ur life; dependin' on various things. Acquaintances r just people that u might know, by knowin' someone else.

But what really does it mean, to be "A friend" to someone??? Who would u count as a "friend"??? Could u count on a friend to take u to the hospital and be there for u when u got out??? Do u have categories of friends??? Maybe "school friends", "work friends", "activity friends (drinkin' buddies, poker buddies, sex buddies, hobby buddies, etc), various religious friends that have varied views to give u a well rounded view of various religions (or r u the type that sticks to one religion???).

Would u tell a friend something u wouldn't tell family??? Would u withhold information from ur friend??? Would u value ur friends above and beyond those of ur family???

Where is the balance??? Friends or Family??? or Friends *BECOME* family, or friends r more important than family???