What is a friend?

When i was in high school I had an awful habit. i would refer to my close friends as "friends." It bothered them a lot...and now im analyzing that habit.

For years I explained that my theory of a friend is different than that of most people. What most people see as a friend, I see as an aquaintence. When most people consider a best friend, i consider a friend.

This whole theory has been called into question for me. Basically, it comes down to one person (you all know who). we are trying to figure out if we can be friends. and i think there's a whole definition situation at hand. Because my true friends know they mean the world to me.
It's also been called into question at school - where I am making new friends. These people know a lot about me. They see me in class, they know about my personal life (generally by default), they know a lot. But are they friends?

What do I consider a friend? How often do I communicate with my friends? What do I expect of them?

I didnt consider Julie a friend until we werent living together anymore.
Emily and I hated each other for almost two decades before we fell in love.
How long can friends go without talking and still be friends - I have one friend who I havent seen in 4 years or so and our parents homes are 20 minutes from each other! I moved to California as she moved away...we find each other twice or so a year...

What the hell is a friend?

For me...
Wow, what do I consider a friend.
That's a tough one.

Any answers I have right now will be some what vengeful. And I'm not interested in doing that. And I know my standards are too fucking high for most people. But what do I do when my standards but heads with those of someone else -- someone who i care about but clearly doesnt have the same expectations of a friend?

I guess I'm so good to my friends that they come to accept my idiocies. And learn to deal with the shit.

Wanna be my friend?
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My prediction of my mother's responses:

"Rena, Erica said all you needed was a best friend"
"Rena, you're like my father. Be careful, it will get you in trouble"
"You set your expectations too high"

My prediction of Asher's response:
"Lick lick lick"

My prediction of Sharon's response:
" I love you foof!"