I would describe myself as a person with a wide circle of acquaintances but not many friends. Most of my preferred pastimes are solitary pursuits, and I have become accustomed to seeing only family members for several days at a time without regret. There is one circle of friends, however, whose company always gives me satisfaction. It is not just that we have our livelihood in common or that we share the links to colleagues and former students naturally arising from the culture of a school. I believe our bond stems partly from the fact that we are so dissimilar—in upbringing, life experience, and current interests—and yet we accept our differences, most of the time uncritically and frequently with admiration. If I were going to the doctor to discuss a serious problem, I’d want Karen with me to draw on her encyclopedic knowledge of brain, body, and behavior. If only I had Sandy to keep my social calendar current, I wouldn’t have to examine old emails frantically to figure out when I was supposed to show up for book discussions or quick suppers with the group. (Actually, if it weren’t for Sandy, there wouldn’t be many such events.) Try and stay grumpy when Charlene is telling a story, often with herself as the fall guy. Joanne doesn’t know how to place her own interests above those of the group or ahead of anyone else’s. If Alice has ever spoken ill of another person, I was never there to hear it. Gail’s sense of adventure leads her to the nooks and crannies of every place she visits, and she has proven herself a steadfast friend and comforter to many of us just when she could use a little herself. Carol is clever and resourceful and can squeeze more results from an hour of labor than anyone I know, and we have all leaned on her for help with one task or another. Without their having to say it, I know they care about me, admire my rather ordinary accomplishments, and are willing to endure my grandma anecdotes without rolling their eyes heavenward. They take nothing from me and give so much.