Today, while driving in the car my little daughter started to list the reasons why she loved me. Among a number of things, she said, “And you let me tell you how I feel, and that’s why you’re my best friend.”

The world could have stopped spinning right there and I would have gone out of this world happy.

It’s just a little thing - to listen to someone, to really hear what they have to say - but it means everything.

Notice, she didn’t say because I’m so wise or are always giving her the right answers. Though she appreciates what I share with her, what makes me her best friend is that I listen.

And I make it safe for her to talk, because she knows I respect what she says, because she knows I respect her.

That is the basis of all friendships, of all relationships - including those with the opposite sex, including our children, including our girlfriends. Even with strangers - all relationships, no matter how long lasting or fleeting.

It’s the best thing we could ever give another and the most precious thing to receive.

My heart just sang the rest of the day.