Friends of New and of Old

How do you classify a friend?

- Someone who is always there?
- Someone who listens when you need it?
- Someone who shares your Joys and Pains?
- Someone who wants to always be a helping hand?
- Someone who helps you in time of trials?
- Someone who sits by your side for companionship?
- Someone who assists you selflessly?

if these are the qualifications of a friend, what are the 'friends' who:

- Is around but never have time?
- Is around but have their own problems?
- Is around but surrounded by sadness and misery?
- Is around but has other priorities?
- Is away but calls/texts/emails you regularly?
- Is with you but unfocused?
- Is around but no activities abound?
- Is trying to be there by not being there?

there is a saying, "A Friend in Need, is a Friend Indeed" it is not a good one in my opinion as i look at friendship as having more that someone in need, but rather than having someone who can be counted upon and vice-versa when necessary.

I look at my:
-Childhood Friends
-Primary School Friends
-Secondary School Friends
-Tuition Friends,
-Catechism Friends,
-Prefectorial Friends,
-Best Friends,
-College Friends,
-Work Friends,
-Random Friends,
-Neighbourhood Friends,
-Mamak Friends,
-Bar Friends,
-Pub Friends,
-Teh Tarik Friends
-Midnight Friend,
-Midday Friends,
-Street Friends,
-Church Friends,
-Youth Friends,
-Society Friends,
-Delinquent Friends,
-Girl/Boy Friends,
-Family Friends,
-New Friends,
-Old Friends,
-Acquaintances.

They have all been there for me at 1 time or another, but who among them can i count to be there and can i always spare time to be with at the different stages in my life?
I do hope that i can always have a connection to each and everyone of them, but what does reality hold for anyone...

There is a saying, that True Friends are Few, i hope that this is not a reality as i would love to have many good friends as this would make life richer and meaningful. But misers cant be pickers and if few friends remain good friends, so be it.

What/who do you consider a friend?