Friend by Definition

I was struggling for a topic today - so I went on to the merriam-webster online dictionary to look up what their definition of the word "friend". Here's what they have written [ edited by me ]:

Main Entry: 1friend
1 a: one attached to another by affection or esteem b: acquaintance
2 a: one that is not hostile b: one that is of the same nation, party, or group
3: one that favors or promotes something (as a charity)

I'm not sure what exactly I was looking for, but I will admit I was a little disappointed. Where's the stuff that makes one person really refer to another person as their friend? Where's the stuff that truly defines a good friend? Like:

- someone who's got your back (even when you don't realize it)

- someone who accepts you as you are and likes you just the way you are

- someone who believes in you when you might be struggling to believe in yourself

- someone whose presence in your life helps to make you a better person and a truer friend yourself

Those are the definitions I'd like to see... Oh, I know - there are degrees of friends. Someone you might call friend is truly more of an acquaintance by definition (you'll have to look this one up yourself). I'm fortunate to have an ample supply of great friends - the ones who meet the definitions I've added above - and then some. My friends are all truly amazing people and I am so happy to have them in my life.

So, today - I say "thanks" to all my friends!