"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." ◇ Anaïs Nin

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Some of the friendships we have, we've had forever. Some are new and can be just as beautiful. What matters is that we have them and that we nourish them. There are times when we all have experienced someone being a "bad" friend; sometimes that person is us. There are times we lose touch with someone, but their memory and the gifts of friendships they left you with will endure.

Women, in particular, have some of the most flourishing and beautiful connections with each other. There is something in a friendship shared between women that is not repeated elsewhere. As much of a best friend your significant other should be, nothing will replace the bond formed between girlfriends. I've been thinking about all the ways friendship can uplift us, especially when you reflect on the course of that friendship. A friend is a keeper of fears, secrets, dreams, desires. A favorite quote of mine is by the Persian poet, Hafiz and it can be viewed in a romantic, as well as platonic, manner.

"Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, 'You owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky."

Friendship is not about what is owed. It is not about keeping track. It is about being there in the quiet moments, to hear what is not being said. It is sharing in laughter, in joys, in dreams. It's about being weird together, seeing past flaws, and believing in each other.

I read an article recently about friendship and the lack of a "ceremony" tied to this type of relationship. Though there may not be a formal ceremony to celebrate your bind to a friendship, it is supremely important to honor your friends, to rejoice in this unique duality, to commemorate that person. Personally, I enjoy tying the knot with a best pal by popping a cork. However it is you celebrate, do it often with your closest friends. Rejoice in making new ones. Allow meeting new people or reconnecting with old friends open a new world within you. Take care of the best friends you do have and revisit the moments that brought you closer together.

The road to the end can be quite long...it doesn't need to be boring or lonely.