Kristin, thanks for the interesting discussion and thought process for which your blog has created.  You can really understand where a person is at in lifes journey as the need for friends and family arises.  

I too found it encouraging and exciting to recently find a friend at our class reunion (go St. John Redwings).  It is always thought you would stay in touch but to find that person from your past who you believe "really" understands what is going on inside us.  I believe that is why we all seek for friendships and relationships that touch that inner point of "they really understand me".