I don't get it.....What, actually, is a Friend?

To me, a friend is a very special person. A friend is a person in whom you can confide your deepest secrets, and they will realize they felt the same way, had the same feelings. A friend is someone with whom you form an instant connection.

I can see how this type of relationship can be had by a childhood friend, who grew up with you and you formed a deep connection over years of knowing them. I can see how this type of friendship could be had with a person you have gone to lunch with over the years or a person you worked with over time. I can even see a great friendship out of knowing your children's friends parents, even if you part when school has ended.

But, what about Social Sites? People are calling followers friends, love, darlin, sweetie and all sorts of other names. But, there is no connection with them besides the social sites? And, where do they get off calling women "sweetie" or honey?" Isn't that reserved for the man/women in your life. Now, I am far from a feminist; I am more about respect for the opposite sex. When did it become okay to give 'pet names' to people these people really do not know. Yes, I'll give you this. We sometimes talk to people on the social sites every day and not to our childhood friends for months. But, would you feel comfortable telling your followers your deep dark secrets?

I'm not sure that Twitter put up the site for people to get on to say Good Morning, How was your coffee today? I'm going to the store!" How do people even have the time to do this back and forth if they are in business?

I'm just confused and want to know how I've gone wrong.

Please tell me "What does a Friend mean to you?