What are the boundaries of friendship?

Exactly what IS a friend?



From dictionary.com...
1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.
2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter.
3. a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile.



Synonyms:1. comrade, chum, crony, confidant. 2. backer, advocate. 4. ally, associate, confrere, compatriot.



As someone attached by feelings, a confidant, a *true* friend, where is the boundary on speaking freely? Is it ever okay to tell them things like, "You are such an incredibly intelligent woman, so how the fuck can you be so stupid??" or "How can you overlook the mountain of bullshit you've been fed for so long?" Or how about, "You have happiness sitting in front of you, and you're hell-bent on throwing it away with both hands." Can you tell them, "I love you, but you really need to quit whining, suck it up, and keep going."

Just thinking about a lot of things this morning after the screwed-up dreams I had all night.