ON FRIENDSHIP:

Few feelings in life are as worthwhile as catching up with an old friend you haven't heard from in a while. There's all the "catching up" talk, some gossip, then a brief awkwardness as you both consider where the conversation can go, followed (in my case, at least) by a non sequitur question or two.

Still, there's something to be said for not letting friendships get to the point of "How long has it been?" or "It seems like it's been forever!"