Loyalty Layers

     Awe, friendship. Right from the start, as you go through life, you will have friends(unless you don't, then this probably won't relate to you and you may need to rethink some part of your personality). You will make friends, lose friends, have friends come into your life only to go out, then come back in again later. Welcome back! There are best friends, fast friends and friends for life. Along with the obvious places your pals fit though, are the other less distinctive divisions. Layers of loyalty you didn't even realize existed let alone that you may be a part of! Well, listen and learn!
1: There's the friend you didn't think you'd ever be friends with (maybe even bullied, I don't know your life). The one you considered yourself to be opposite of in every way, only to end up bonding as buddies after discovering a shared love for all things Star Trek. Live long and Prosper!
2: What about the friend of a friend? The friend you get along with great, but for whatever reason, only see when the shared friend is around. Would the world cease to exist if a separate friendship was built sans the founding member? Nothing's impossible, but I say take that risk you rebel you!
3:  Then, there's the friend you only find in a room full of strangers.  The friendly face you can force small talk with if you find yourself without a more familiar option. This is when comments about the weather or a local sports teams success(or lack of) always come in handy."Hot outside, isn't it?" Yep.
4: We all know the "We're only friends because we're family" type. This is the person you keep the peace with if for no other reason than knowing you will be seeing them again at a cousins birthday party or some baby shower. Just find a strong adult beverage you can share and drink until the awkward silences are replaced with awkward chit-chat. Cheers!
5: I love a brutally honest friend. The one that will tell you when you've gained a few pounds or when you have a giant piece of black pepper hiding half of your tooth. While everyone else is sugarcoating the size of the pimple on your forehead, they're offering to pop it for you(or at least conceal it somehow). That's Helpful!
6: Of course you have the "Mature friend". They make you want to act more like an adult when in their presence and you find yourself discussing your philosophy on topics that in no way revolve around bodily functions or the correct time/place to "share" them publicly. Who knew such conversations existed in a world? Sip your champagne with them and enjoy this moment (however brief it may be) of serenity.
7: Finally, there is the "no questions asked" friend. Everyone needs a friend like this and I hope you have one. This is who you call when you need someone who shows up with their head down and their mouth shut.  I'm not saying me(or you) have ever or will ever need to make a call that calls for this kind of secrecy implied situation, but it definitely pays to know they'll be there fast, shovel in hand. Yes, I'm talking about when your truck is stuck in the mud, what did you think I meant? Perspective people!
      I'm 90% positive that I fit into most, if not all of these categories for many reasons. Believe it or not, I have been considered to be abrasive for the sensitive types (considering my instinct to laugh when witnessing people fall down along with my somewhat relentless but good natured tendency for teasing). But I hold faith in the old saying, that "as you get older, if you can count your friends on one hand your lucky". I'm talking real friends too, not just Facebook friends(quality vs. quantity). Luckily for me, I can currently claim this to be true for myself....we'll see what tomorrow brings though, I have been known to offend easily. Fingers crossed!