I demand that my friends...my true friends are irreverent. When it comes to the people I trust the most I need to know that they are ready and willing to question all mores, credos, and belief systems. I need and crave friends who can talk about anything, question everything, and laugh at ourselves. As such I don't have many good friends.
As far as I can remember even though my friends are scattered all over the British Isles and we don't talk much except on facebook I still love every one of them to bits Some I havent seen in years abd they are still my friends in my book ,(not so for my family,)
Trust and a sense of humor. You can't bond without trust; and when people can't laugh at themselves and their idols, they are miserable to be around, as they're always afraid. You have to be able to talk about most anything--and know it's in confidence.
Depends on what is meant by "friend." I can be friends with anyone of any age for any reason, including animals.
I have work peer friends, companions for particular hobbies and activities, friends with the same values who work on causes with me, fellow book enthusiasts, etc. As for side-kicks, I've had many, but not for too long, as life circumstances reshuffled us.
But for a side-kick, I value an intelligent, humorous, fearless, adventurous person, up for anything. I've had a few of those during my lifetime.
With me, the issue is their word. No one can keep every promise but gosh, some people seem unable to plan even 5 minutes ahead.
In my life I call them family.
Me. Priority one actually. Without my gene, they will be strangers that know my name.
I like a friend that listens to what you have to say.