Friendship is different from all other relationships. Unlike acquaintanceship, it is based on love. Unlike lovers and married couples, it is free of jealousy. Unlike children and parents, it knows neither criticism nor resentment. Friendship has no status in law. Business partnerships are based on a contract. So is marriage. Parents are bound by law, as are children. But friendship is freely entered into, freely given, freely exercised. A person who cheats, takes advantage of, or lies to another, is not a friend. Friends do not spy; they have no secrets. Friends rejoice in their friend’s successes and are dispirited by their friend’s failures. Friends minister to each other, nurture each other. Friends give to each other, worry about each other, and stand always ready to help. Perfect friendship is rarely attained; at its zenith it is sublime.