National Friendship Day is this Sunday, August 3, which got us thinking, How do you define friendship? The definition eludes us, much like that of "love" or saudade, but describing it in context? Eeeeaaasy. We just talk about those gut-busting laughs, the all-night roadtrips, the junk food binges, the 3 AM karaoke, those do-or-die weekenders inspired by The Hangover or Bridemaids, take your pick.
Below, OC Family answer the question:
What's the best thing a friend has done for you?
"The best thing a friend has done for me is to tell me that sometimes it's better to agree with a suggestion than to be a know-it-all and say that I have a better idea, even if it is better." —CAROL L
"Once, on New Year's Eve, a big group of friends took a ride to watch the ball drop at some popular club. Since the car was too packed, I agreed to drive separately with my best friend. We get to the door of the club at about 11:15 PM, and I realize that I do not have my wallet and was refused at the door. So, my best friend (being such a bestie) says, 'Let's just drive back and get it.' We get back to her place and I look at the microwave and it reads '11:55'—five minutes to spare. I use the bathroom while she tries to find some left over champagne. We get the TV on at 11:59, ready to count down, and the local news is on. But, the microwave was five minutes too slow, so actually already missed New Year's. Sorry Maria. Best friends, 11 years strong." —Jer
"My best friend is one of the most intelligent and academically successful persons I've ever met. A true erudite. And I never understood why he appreciated me as much as he did/does. When we were in high school, he sat me down one evening and told me I was better and smarter than I ever gave myself credit for, during a time when I couldn't have felt more insecure. And because I believed in him so much, I ended up better and smarter than I expected. It was one of the best gifts I've ever received." —Bettina
"The best thing my friend has done for me was tattoo my name on her and vice versa... true commitment!" —Dylan
"An ex and I decided to go to a concert in Chicago and make a weekend out of it. Well, we broke up three days before the concert, and instead of letting me go alone, my best friend Lee put his life on hold, took off from work, and came with me so I wouldn't have to go alone—he knew I needed the support. Unfortunately, the show was canceled, but Lee and I still had the best time ever!" —Charles
"I've been best friends with Claire since first grade, where we bonded over the Twix bars her mom would always pack in her lunch bag. The day before I moved to NYC four years ago, we went driving around Milwaukee, and at the end of the night, she gave
Below, OC Family answer the question:
What's the best thing a friend has done for you?
"The best thing a friend has done for me is to tell me that sometimes it's better to agree with a suggestion than to be a know-it-all and say that I have a better idea, even if it is better." —CAROL L
"Once, on New Year's Eve, a big group of friends took a ride to watch the ball drop at some popular club. Since the car was too packed, I agreed to drive separately with my best friend. We get to the door of the club at about 11:15 PM, and I realize that I do not have my wallet and was refused at the door. So, my best friend (being such a bestie) says, 'Let's just drive back and get it.' We get back to her place and I look at the microwave and it reads '11:55'—five minutes to spare. I use the bathroom while she tries to find some left over champagne. We get the TV on at 11:59, ready to count down, and the local news is on. But, the microwave was five minutes too slow, so actually already missed New Year's. Sorry Maria. Best friends, 11 years strong." —Jer
"My best friend is one of the most intelligent and academically successful persons I've ever met. A true erudite. And I never understood why he appreciated me as much as he did/does. When we were in high school, he sat me down one evening and told me I was better and smarter than I ever gave myself credit for, during a time when I couldn't have felt more insecure. And because I believed in him so much, I ended up better and smarter than I expected. It was one of the best gifts I've ever received." —Bettina
"The best thing my friend has done for me was tattoo my name on her and vice versa... true commitment!" —Dylan
"An ex and I decided to go to a concert in Chicago and make a weekend out of it. Well, we broke up three days before the concert, and instead of letting me go alone, my best friend Lee put his life on hold, took off from work, and came with me so I wouldn't have to go alone—he knew I needed the support. Unfortunately, the show was canceled, but Lee and I still had the best time ever!" —Charles
"I've been best friends with Claire since first grade, where we bonded over the Twix bars her mom would always pack in her lunch bag. The day before I moved to NYC four years ago, we went driving around Milwaukee, and at the end of the night, she gave