What's the Definition of a Friend?

The speaker discusses the broad definition of "friend" in American English, suggesting it's too encompassing for various relationship types. They advocate for more specific terms like "close friend," "work friend," or "acquaintance" to better acknowledge the investment in deeper friendships. A concerning trend observed, especially among young people, is that while they may like their friends and get along, they often don't trust them in times of need or expect them to cancel for better plans. The speaker's personal definition of a friend is the same as their definition for a good romantic relationship and community: two people who agree to grow together. This involves mutual support, cheering each other on, and offering tough love as they navigate their individual growth journeys, which is considered a profound shared experience.