But as I have often experienced, friendship between two girls is full of prejudices and misunderstandings about one thing or the other, in the process creating a lot of bitterness and clouding the mind. Why can't two girls enjoy a pure selfless friendship like that of boys? Why do they have to quarrel over petty things like, ``Who is more beautiful, more intelligent?'' ``Who is more popular among the opposite sex?'' and many more such ludicrous topics. Many a time we also observe a friendship going to pieces because of a `boy'. (Who is he?) But few are the occasions when we find that two boys have split because of a girl. Girls can quarrel even over trivial things like, ``Why did you forget my birthday?'' or something equally ridiculous like ``You don't care about me because you didn't bother to call me up for so many days''.

Girls tend to become very possessive about every little thing and then that possession of theirs becomes the bone of contention between them and their friends. Also, unlike boys, girls never let bygones remain bygones. They often remember the past hurts that their friends had inflicted on them and wait for an opportunity to `give it back'. Of course, there are those handful who are exceptions to their general observation. Then comes the third type of friendship, that of a boy and a girl. This is the most misunderstood friendship. The moment they are `seen' together, their relationship gets misconstrued.

In fact people are convinced that they are `going around'. But, this is not always true. A boy and a girl can be only friends without any strings attached. I myself prefer to be friends with boys because it is a hassle-free relationship. There is no place for jealousies, bitching, gossiping or misunderstandings. As a teenager I had more boyfriends (I don't mean `that' type of boyfriend) than girlfriends. I found that boys are always willing to offer a helping hand and stand true to the adage, ``A friend in need is a friend indeed.'' You may immediately say, ``That is because he has an ulterior motive (of not so honourable intentions).'' But no, not always. For GOD's sake! The entire male tribe is not afflicted with dishonesty and bad character.

Be it a male or a female; a friend should indeed be a friend. Trust, honesty, understanding, affection and caring are the main pillar stones on which the empire of friendship rests. There should be no place for any ill feelings, manipulations or selfish attitude in this beautiful empire. Friendship should be like the clear blue sky, glowing under the golden sun. Let the clouds pass. Because they do not belong here.