Real friends knew where to draw the line between laughing with you instead of at you.
... people were there to extend themselves. And that they did that through other people. Not just the physical way as in having children, but more in the way of relationships with other people. Real friendships and partnerships were crucially important. Real, deep, intimate friendships with other people were the key - people who knew your secrets, dears and weaknesses and liked you anyway. (...) this is how people last beyond just the time they have in this world. You put yourself into other poeple so that you go on even when your time has passed, just like you carry pieces of the people you love and care about. The depth of your relationship to others had a real and lasting impact, far beyond your own life. The interconnections were life itself, far beyond just the dry, scientific definition.