What does it mean to have a genuine friend? We may have many acquaintances, and we can be friendly to all of them, but true friendship is more than that. It requires more from us, and it gives us more in return. A Greek legend tells of two young men, Damon and Pythias, who exemplified true friendship. Pythias was unjustly accused of plotting against the king and was sentenced to die. He pleaded for a few days’ freedom so he could arrange care for his family across the sea, promising to return before the day of his execution.