What is a Friend?

I've been told I have a very high standard for what I consider a friend to be. I personally don't believe this to be true, but in all fairness I will be objective and put it out there for other opinions. Feel free to comment.
A friend to me is someone who has many qualities. I look for a connection between us first off. To me that is vital. If I don't get this feeling, I usually tend not to take things any further. This connection can include similar senses of humor, ideals, interests, and the like. But it needs to be instinctual. Certain people can seems very nice yet 'raise the hairs on the back of your neck'. While others seem quite natural to talk to, almost comfortable. That is the connection I speak of.
although not mandatory, we usually need somethings in common. Be that spiritual, mental, etc.
That is not to say differences are tossed, no. I enjoy challenging opinions or ideals. It is refreshing at times.
I feel that a friend should be loyal. I will give to you my interpretation of what I believe loyal to be. If I tell this person something and want it kept secret for various reasons, would a true friend do it? Depends on what you tell them. If what I said endangers myself, my children or another human being? Then absolutely not! As a friend your loyalty needs to be for that friend, their health and your own. Should a friend tell under other circumstances? again absolutely not. A secret is simply that, and if you've been entrusted with it, you keep it. That person is asking you to keep their trust, keep their feelings etc. private and safe with someone they feel is trust worthy. For you to 'spill the proverbial beans' is a breach of trust and only under threat of life and limb should you ever repeat it to another. But loyalty doesn't end there. If your friend is being picked on, made fun of, being treated unfairly or abusively, then this is something a friend would not tolerate. Stepping in, standing up for or protecting them from harm is a duty you should feel compelled to do rather than have to think about. This is not to say you start fights or help them beat on someone, no, have some morals! There is another definition for those actions, bullying and abuse.
A friend needs to be dependable, there when you need to talk, even at three am if needed. helpful, and giving of their time and shoulders sometimes.
Honesty is a huge quality I look for. I do not lie to people, I do not want someone I feel love for lying to me. communicate with me, tell me the hard truths, not just what you think I want to hear, but what needs to be said. I don't like braggarts, bull shooters or big mouths. I've out grown that part of my life 20 years ago.
I consider a friend close, emotionally and in the family sense. I don't need to call them every day to remind them how much I care, or how important they are to me, nor do I need to see them every day to reaffirm my friendship. But if I choose to, that's awesome. A friend should feel secure with their position in my heart, and not afraid to tell me anything either. If they feel left out, say it, talk to me etc.
I give in a friendship everything that I expect from one, without exception.... why then do I only have two true friends in my life?? you tell me?