I have been around for quite a few years and have learnt so much about myself so I think my opinion does count and is usually a good one. There are so many different levels of friendships and types that develop over time. Start thinking of family and you will find that though you may be initially "the parent"  gradually as your children get older, if you are fortunate like me, that when they grow up or become parents that your relationship changes.

I have 5 adult children and have found that even though I am the mum we have developed a great friendship. I have two daughters and they are my best friends now. We can talk about anything especially parenting skills as what I hear from them now is "I never got it when you used to say, wait till you are a mum, but now I do?" I find this amusing because I was the same when I had children. I was living with my grandmother when I was in my teens and now find myself making a comment then thinking I am turning into her and yes I am a grandmother so I guess that is ok for me.

I also have three sons and although not always as close to them I do feel we have a tight bond as we really don't have an extended family we are all connected. I spent lots of time in the kitchen with my youngest over the years. We would turn the Hunter ceiling fan on, in the dining room part of the kitchen, by the remote control  and then we spent hours making donuts or he was learning how to make some of my recipes.

I have three of what I would call best friends in the whole world. There is no competition for my time or affection as with them as I have three completely different types of commitment to them. One friend lives very close to me and so I visit in the evenings quite a bit, another I see once a week and the third I may not see or speak to every week but we are close. Their grown up children still call me Aunty and are very respectful to me. I will also mention each friend at least ten years younger than I am but these three have been in my life over twenty five years. We can discuss anything and believe me we do and all of us know nothing said will be repeated at all to anyone which is something I personally value.

Another type of friendship is the type that it doesn't matter if I don't see or speak to you for five years I am still your friend. I have quite a few of this type and I am as happy to have them as I hope they are to have me. It may be a call out of the blue but it is great to know that if I need someone to help me it doesn't matter how long it has been they will be there.

All in all I value all of my friends whether they are old or new, constant or not to me they are all special in their own way.