Friendship: "One who is personally well known by oneself and for whom one has warm regards, or affections; intimate." (Funk and Wagnalls). Just as the term "Love" is personally defined by the individual, so is the term "Friendship."

Everyone has their own conception of what denotes an "intimate friend." However, it is not generally understood- especially by the friends themselves- what are the Tasks, Responsibilities and Obligations of an intimate friend. More- over, how, and in what manner, are these task, responsibili- ties and obligations to be met- are questions that are, also, usually left un-answered.

Friendship, it seems, exist one some sort of non-verbal agreement: always be "implicit" but never "explicit."

Fortunately, my friendship is one of the exceptions: Honesty and clarity is the general rule in our relationship. It's somthing we feel we not only owe to ourself, but to each other, as well.

Men do not like to admit-not even to themselves, that they have a need, and desire, to be intimate with each other. For to do so, they feel, will leave them vulnerable to those who may want to cast doubt upon their masculinity. This is where society has failed our youth- especially , our males. No won- der a man feels that he must be obsessed with women, and sex, in order to be accepted by society.

Friendship is a wonderful thing, and an everlasting thing. When most, romantic, relationships fail- friendships, usually, prevail. We, as a society, need to learn more about the "Art of Frienship" and less about the "Art of Sex." This will not only help us as adults, but our chldren, youth and society- on a whole, as well.

by Mr. Johnnie Newkirk