why are we friends?

I have found myself pondering lately about the nature of friendships, the who, what, and why of the friends we make. I have come to few concrete conclusions, but, as per usual, have a virtual diarrhea of thoughts on the subject. We become friends with certain people because of shared interests, initially, and often a relationship based on more blossoms from that. Others we are attracted to because of a certain personality trait, such as sense of humour, and, again, something grows out of that. Still others we are friends with because our families were friends and thus we are friends and that is just how it is. There are also relationships that we have "always had" and don't really understand why, yet we just roll with it. Let's not forget roommates (that's a whole other kettle of fish that I will save for a different blog). And then there are friendships that exist because there is just something we like about that other person. It may not necessarily be a fixed trait or interest at all. You just like being around that person. My friend Andy is a lot like this. He has a great personality and is a man of integrity. He shares a few interests with me, though not many. We agree on very little. He irritates me sometimes, and probably I him. We enjoy winding each other up and are often a little combative and competitive. My sister can't even understand how he is my best friend because we are so different! But there is just something about him, which I cannot put my finger on, that makes him my closest friend. Is it shared history? Co-dependance? Habit? I would venture to say none of the above. Other friends of mine are far more easily definable than Andy, but maybe that's what makes our friendship of 17 years so important and special to each of us. Despite setbacks, struggles, through girlfriends, breakups, marriage (his in 2004 and my impending 2006 nuptuals) and the lot, we still return to one another to talk about our lives, work through our struggles, laugh, argue, disagree, fight, and all those other things that make up a precious, long-term, dysfunctional brotherhood. Think about your own friends, far and close, and dissect those relationships. You will probably find that there is a lot more than initially meets the eye. And be thankful for your friends because they are a gift that makes life just a bit more sweet.