They are an example of true goodness. In their most innocuous and goofy moments, they remind you that life makes sense.

They make you feel special and wanted when it feels like nobody else cares if you live or die.

They listen to your crazy ideas with utter seriousness, and then laugh their heads off with you when the idea is exposed for the insanity that it is. Or they smile knowingly when that crazy idea works. And you know they were with you on it the whole way.

They listen and understand and offer advice, including the shit you don't want to hear, but know you have to.

They laugh at you and with you. They listen to you cry, and step back to give you space. They never abandon you.

You know they judge you, but you know they love you anyway.

You can say "I love you" to your friends, and they don't get all awkward on you. And you can say it with no fear of a broken heart. They provide the essential human need for love with none of the risk. You are safe with your friends.

There is no greater joy than friendship. They are the family you choose.

To all my friends, I love you and thank you for your presence in my life. I count myself truly blessed to have you.

Those who refuse friendship live without the greatest joy known to humanity.

I say with pride that I know the greatest human joy in all of you.