Define friends. I know a few people that can tolerate being in the same room with me for brief periods. I mean besides my pets
We each have our quirks. Fortunately, we're not married to one another otherwise we'd be stuck together for quite a while like old married folks.
What I can say is that I still care for my elders and recently asked my Mom to be sure to drive safely at night if she ever need do any evening shopping. Asked Mom if she were to check her trunk to also check her rear indicator lights so she doesn't get pulled over for a busted taillight. And also, when she puts her groceries back into her trunk, to be aware of the lighting and her immediate area so nothing inappropriate happen.
Yeah, I sometimes worry and also realize Mom's aging well. I don't wish to ask her to take a driver's refreshment course, but that day may soon arrive.
That is my current "truth", but it seems that sometimes life imitates art, and believable truth is often based on fiction.
Regards friends, here is my understanding of them:
I have a few local close friends as well as some of my co-workers, but we don't hang out together. Occasionally, I'd ask my close friends as guests to share a meal with me, but only when there might be something to celebrate (wedding anniversary, achievement, milestone, retirement, repasts, etc). I usually don't do birthdays because it reminds us of our impending dirt nap. Perhaps when I was younger, but not recently.
There are friends who are like brothers to you, and they are close. They are there for you if the need ever occur. Some friends are there for moral support in word only. And that is OK, sometimes we only need words of encouragement when we may be experiencing a hardship or difficulty. And then there are acquaintances who know you, your personality, and your qualities. They like you and would happily offer you words of praise or commendation if they felt the need to be generous. And then there are more distant folks who know you and may be slightly envious while not necessarily sharing your viewpoints. Lastly, there are folks who consider your view opposite to theirs and would happily wish you misfortune rather than good.
Yet that is what comprises mankind today. Perhaps the words of wisdom might be to keep your good friends close, encourage and commend whenever someone does well, counsel if correction is necessary, and do not wish harm upon anyone.