For most of my life, friendship has been the axis around which my world spins, the secret superpower that fuels my sense of self-regard in low moments when I wonder why anyone bothers with me at all. One of the things that drew me to my partner nine years ago — another long relationship — was the strong, sustained friendships in his life. Over the course of our relationship, we married our friend groups, and when we finally got engaged, it felt very much like a village celebration.