Happy Birthday to PollyannaDad?
I can't choose from among my family members, so I will say these things about my friend, Angela. I met her via the Disboards about 20 years ago (she was selling seats on her Illuminations Cruise). We have similar occupations, daughters around the same age, and husbands with similar interests (and quirks). We met on the Illuminations Cruise and the friendship just stuck. She, too, has a love-affair with The Mouse and we both admit he gets WAY too much of our money!
She is always there for me, at the other end of the keyboard. Every day, sometimes multiple times, she'll be there to boost me up, make me smile, even if it's just an emoji to acknowledge that she's heard me (but is busy).
She doesn't "judge." She is the one person to whom I can vent about DH. Other family members are "too close;" I don't want to damage their relationships with him if I say anything that's too personal, too hurtful, etc. There's never any judgement, even when asking hard questions; she, too, is in a 30+ year marriage and knows there are always "downs" to go along with the many "ups" of loving and living with someone for so long.
She respects my privacy, regardless of what I tell her. I can share with her my fears and concerns about my daughter, celebrate her victories and successes. It's not a competition (as it would be with my sister or another friend), and I know anything I say is confidential. (the word "discreet" isn't in my sister's vocabulary). She has 2 DDs, age-wise one on either side of my DD