Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people become friends and stay a while, leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts. And we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend."

Be slow to fall into friendship, but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship  ---Ralph Waldo Emerson

The test of friendship is assistance in adversity, and that too, unconditional assistance. Co-operation which needs consideration is a commercial contract and not friendship. Conditional co-operation is like adulterated cement which does not bind -Gandhi

It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.... Gandhi

A  friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been ,accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow
 
WIlliam Shakespeare