Far away friends.

Crater Walkers Gunung Bromo, originally uploaded by Hueystar.

Nothing warms my heart more then knowing i have some of the best friends in the world. I am lucky to know and have more then just one, and don't ask me to pick just one as my favourite either. Each individual is unique and beautiful in their own way. They do all have some important traits in commen though. Honesty, yes brutal honesty, even when you don't want to hear it or are not ready to hear. They may talk behind your back about things but they will also tell you to your face. The truth sometimes stings but our friends can see things that we sometimes don't see or don't want to see. I may curse them for a couple of days, but nothing is richer then someone who can tell you like it is.
Being there is another one, it doesn't help if your friend isn't there emotionally for you when things are rough, or if you want to have a good laugh. It doesn't necessarily mean that they are there 24/7, but the ability to check in with you via skype, email, tea breaks, or parties. Spending quality time and reaffirming your care for each other in good conversation makes me feel like i will already live longer then most people (that's what science says!).
And lastly, balance. A balance in the relationship where you can listen and not judge, if you don't listen and only judge.. then it get's really one sided. We are all not perfect in our relationships but a real friend will have these traits, and if they don't then we can forgive them when they realize they may not be living to their true potential.