In this engaging episode of the "Friends, After 40 Podcast," your hosts Lisa, James, Janine, and Ramahn delve into the traits that define a great friend. The episode kicks off with James thanking Ramahn for a delightful Oaxaca old fashioned cocktail, leading to a discussion on their preferred drinks. The hosts humorously share personal stories, debate their friendship theme songs mentioning tracks like "No New Friends" and "Stand by Me."

Key discussion points include:

- **Friendship Bullseye:** Ramahn explains the concept where close friends are at the center, based on their traits and reliability.

- **Honesty and Authenticity:** Lisa and Janine stress the importance of honesty in friendships, highlighting its impact on trust and time investment.

- **Holding Space:** Janine shares the importance of friends holding space for each other, while others explore signs of not doing so.

- **Reliability:** The consensus is that reliability is a crucial trait, shaping the hosts' closest friendships.

- **Self-Awareness and Feedback:** The team discusses the challenges of giving and receiving feedback, the necessity for self-awareness, and even joke about a self-awareness retreat.

The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of self-awareness in friendships, the virtues of having a thick skin, and the delicate balance of offering constructive feedback.

Tune in for a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful reflections on what it means to be a true friend!

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