What is a Friend?

Dictionary.com defines "friend" as:

1.

a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

2.

a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter: friends of the Boston Symphony.

3.

a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile: Who goes there? Friend or foe?

4.

a member of the same nation, party, etc.

5.

(initial capital letter) a member of the Religious Society of Friends; a Quaker.

I'm not so sure about ALL of those definitions applying to me, but I'd like to think that I'm at least a 1, 2, 3, and 4 for a lot of people (an easier way to say that would have been: "I would like to think that all but number 5 apply to me for a lot of people." But that wouldn't have been the first thing that came to my head when writing this out, so it wouldn't have been as genuine :D)

So, as far as definition #1 goes, how does one become a friend? And what is this that people call a "true friend?" What must one do? How does one acquire the feelings of affection or personal regard? Sincerity, love unfeigned...? But how do these things enter into us...?

I suppose it's like most attributes you acquire in this life. President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has taught: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” If we are to internalize the attribute of friendship, we ought to study the doctrine behind friendship, or, as defined, feelings of affection and personal regard.

Or, is it something only to be acquired after time spent together, learning about one another and serving one another. I believe strongly that the greatest motivator in this world is Charity, or the "pure love of Christ." Preach My Gospel, the manual for missionary service, states that: "You will develop charity as you look for opportunities to serve others and give of yourself." So, is friendship, built on love, developed as people serve one another?

How is one to become a friend? And what is all this talk about "true friends?"

There is a comment feature on this blog for a reason :-D These are questions to be answered :-D I hope that you are all doing well! Just look at the Bright-Side of Life. It's the only thing bright that wont blind you after a long gaze :-D It will only make you see more clearly!