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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: epicure who wrote (45404)	3/8/2002 5:47:28 PM
From: The Philosopher	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 82486

I think some people use the term "friend" a lot more casually than you do. The dictionary's first definition is "a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard," which IMO doesn't say much. Heck, I have feelings of personal regard for you, but I would never impose on you to the extent of calling you my friend. <g> the second definition, starts by going further, "a person who gives assistance," but then it ruins that by giving the example "a Friend of the Boston Symphony." Mere giving of a few dollars makes friendship? The third definition is simply "a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile." Pretty minimal there. By that definition, I have lots of on-line friends. But I agree with you, I don't consider them friends in any true sense of the word. So while I prefer your concept of friendship, I think those who aim for a much lower standard, and the dictionary, at least, supports them, not you. Which just shows what dictionaries know about language. <g>