A Friend, Is A Friend, By Any Other Name

There are many qualities that define friendship. Unconditional and capable of withstanding even the most drastic difference of views, friends don't just listen, they hear what you are saying, and share their opinions constructively, even when they disagree. Friends look in on one another to make certain all is well, and offer their assistance when no one else will. I could list all the wondrous aspects of having a good friend, and being one, but something tells me I don't need to, because you know exactly what I'm talking about.

We all need friends, and friends come in various shapes and sizes, each filling a different niche in our lives. Some of the most excellent people I have ever had the privilege of knowing, I have met online through blogging. I consider these folks true friends, and believe that our digital interactions are every bit as valuable (if not more so) than my face to face relationships in the "real world." When speaking of my blogging buddies, I refer to them as my "friends," and this has raised an eyebrow or two amongst my non-blogger friends who find it difficult to understand how friendships can exist in such a fashion.

Through blogging, we have been afforded the amazing gift of communication. A gift that extends beyond physical boundaries, and one which has brought us together from so many different worlds, allowing us to share our opinions, discuss our beliefs, reveal our plans to take over the universe, and support one another as we search for the answers to all our burning questions, one outrageously misguided theory at a time. Together we are so much more than we are apart, and as the blogging community grows, more and more opportunities for friendship are revealed.

The inspiration behind this post was derived from a similar musing entitled Friendships Virtual But Very Real @ Caught In The Stream. Francis, a friend for whom I hold mountains of respect, decided to share with me the honor of the The Colors of Friendship meme. Yes, yes. There are those of you who will recall my very public meme influenced dissonance. In fact, one of you decided to take that ball and run with it, teasing me regarding my attempt to promote humility, ("swaggering narcissist" widget ring a bell for anyone?). Any way, there are a few bloggers out there that are capable of getting me to participate in a meme, and I am proud to call them friends.

I always have an extremely difficult time narrowing a meme down to a finite number of recipients, because I'm the type of guy who would prefer to give it to everyone. Can't we all have our cake? Well, I suppose not. In keeping with the theme, it is my pleasure to pass forward the torch of friendship to these five individuals who, no matter how I have changed over the months, (years?) have kept coming back for more. So I introduce to you all, five of my bestest blogging buddies:

Nelson @ Deregulated Thought / The Liberal Journal

Jennifer @ Goodness Graciousness

Kelly @ Kellementology

Carol @ My View of "It"

Cooper @ Wonderland or Not