What do you value most in your friends?

Unselfishness. I like to surround myself with people who are kind and have feelings for others and their problems.

That they don’t die on me.

I think I value the same things everyone does—loyalty, a sense of humor, the ability to make campaign contributions.

Availability. Just kidding. Character.

Their ability to open a bottle of wine.

Their willingness to have me as a friend.

If I haven’t seen them in years and yet can pick up conversation like it was yesterday.

A willingness to come uptown.

Their responsibility to the friendship.

Loyalty, kindness, honesty, trustworthiness, reliability.

Their willingness to put up with my endless explanations about why I can’t see them because I’m under deadline.

That they get it.

That they can pick up where we left off.

The ability to be themselves rather than hiding behind a mask.

That they’re kind, trustworthy, smart, and can hear and communicate and aren’t afraid to do so.

They’re wonderful people who seem to like me!

Being there through thin and thin. That’s friendship treasured.

I like all my friends for different reasons, so it’s hard to pick one quality I value most highly overall.

A love of laughter and a shared belief that life is a dream.

That they be intelligent and engaged.