It's much more important than friends." But even a simple text message can mean a lot.

VOA: special.2009.09.14

More than half of them sold their work or gave it away to family and friends.

VOA: special.2009.05.18

Can treaties be more faithfully enforced between aliens than laws can be enforced among friends.

VOA: special.2009.07.30

not a feather then he fluttered -- Till I scarcely more than muttered, "Other friends have flown before - On the morrow he will leave me, as my Hopes have flown before."

VOA: special.2010.10.31

"More often than not they are closely related to them or are close friends of the family."

VOA: standard.2009.08.21

"The decision by the administration to back away from its missile defense commitment to the Czech Republic and Poland can only demonstrate to the rest of Europe that the United States is not prepared to stand behind its friends, that the United States views resetting its relationship with Russia more important than commitments made to close friends and allies, and that the administration is willing to let Russia have veto power over the disposition of our missile defense architecture,".

VOA: standard.2009.09.24