Recently I came across a blog that defended the value of a trusting female friend. In respect to that small percentage of women I've known for decades and who've been there in the difficult times I have to concede she's right. I've never known what it's like to have a sister and can say I'm grateful for gal pals who I've met through the years who have filled this space. These are ladies who, mostly by having husbands of their own, know the boundaries of time and space. There's an understanding that when husbands return home after a long day at work, the three's a crowd rule sets in; and an unspoken cue to politely find a reason to exit is respectfully utilized. The gist of the article on gal pals and boyfriends was tailored mostly toward twenty-something women, overly eager for a mate of their own, crossing lines of loyalty to female friends by putting a bent towards their guys. I stand by everything I said in the article; but I also respect Alaska Guide's support of the multitude of women who show up to help with the house work when a new baby arrives; and makes you laugh when nothing in you wants to. It's the rare people that end up on your A-list decades later that I did not have in mind when I wrote the article about boyfriend-infringement. Blessed are the those who have a friend or two they can call and share a concern, without fear that what was shared will be compromised in the guise of Christian "pray for this one" gossip. The bottom line of this topic comes down to respect. Women who fail to respect themselves by violating the loyalty of a valued gal-pal's friendship have issues that reflect a more grave depravity boisterously infiltrating our society today.