sadly only 2... my mom and somebody i've known for 15 yrs that we've gone thru so much together and been there together for each other - we're finally meeting late this year.
She is definitely my longest-standing and best friend. We shall see later this year if that is meant to develop into more as we finally start to spend time together.
Mom:
She is one of the few that no matter what, has been there for me. The worse she believes I'm doing, the more she makes herself available to me. She is 77 yrs old and yet refuses to retire (arthritis and all, no matter how many accidents she gest into that hospitalizes her each year). Her life and what she does with it (continues to work ft and commute 2.5 hrs per way to do it) is not for her, or for her and my dad.. she works simply because she wants to ensure "her boys" never have to stress about money or worry if any emergency comes up. She, in fact, hides her earnings from dad so that he can't stop her from helping "her boys" (my brother and I). I have to BEG HER to stop and enjoy some herself and reassure her that "her boys" are doing fantastically and are fine...
My Best Friend:
we've had fights. we've said some awful things to each other many times. But over 15 yrs we're still there for each other and have open arms for each other. We've always had a notion we should be together but never gave it a shot - that ends this year. It's been amazing to finally open up and let things open up and let them out --- it's been incredibly warming and wonderful to finally remove obstacles and get/feel closer to her. We will see what that means in person later.
What is love?
I"ve learned a lot about this since my niece and 2 nephews were born. It really is this innate and unconscious reality that it doens't matter what happens, or goes on, etc. - you will give anything for that person. Oh sure there may be some temporary petty things that make you stop temporarily - but there is never a question that if needed, you won't even think twice about sacrificing for that person. Be it a spouse, lover, friend, or blood. What you do, your life, isn ot about you anymore. It's about protecting and assuring a pleasant and comfortable life for another - it's not about what you get out of it. You can get nothing out of it - it doesn't matter.
When you get to THAT point, tha'ts when it's love.
When it's about YOU and what YOU get out of it - then you love "the idea of..." and that's different.