The nice thing about a good friend is that they will be there to help you through the good times and the bad. It can be months before you talk to them, but you can call them and know that they will be there to help you no matter what.

For some people, their best friends are the children they met in elementary school. Over the years things change and you went to high school together and then probably parted ways. If you want get back in touch with some of your best friends from high school, check out some social networking sites to see if they are on there. You can pay for services on sites like Classmates.com and get back in touch with some old high school friends.

Many of us take friendships for granted. We know that as life changes, friendships change and because of our busy work life, spouses, children and physical distances, we let time dissipate a perfectly good relationship. A fun way to stay in touch with local friends is to schedule monthly luncheons or dinners that give you all a chance to catch up, relax and share yummy new cuisine.

There is nothing like an evening of good friends and good conversation. Finding the right spot, the right mood and the right budget to accomplish your goal is easier than you think. Try some of these tips to make your new project a success.

• Change it up. Trying new restaurants each month gives you all an opportunity to try new flavors, and visit places you may not go on your own. Assign each participant a month in which to pick the place, that way you'll get a taste of what they love and a new experience for everyone else.
• Set your schedule. Sharing on the same day each month and at the same time, it will be easier for friends to accommodate the schedule ahead of time and if they miss one month, there is still next month to jump back in and catch up. Offer to email the schedule and address to everyone in your group about the monthly pick, or post it on your Facebook, MySpace or personal blog page.
• Tight budget? Change your dinner to lunch. You can still enjoy new places on a smaller budget and maybe a lunch break once a month is just what you all need to keep going during a touch week at work.
• Pot Luck. Even if you can't meet at a favorite restaurant or schedule lunch that accommodates everyone's schedule, you can still have a friendly and comfortable dinner party at your own home. Pick a theme and have everyone bring their favorite dish, or dress up and enjoy a formal dinner party at a different home each month.
• Park party. A great way to catch up with some old high school friends is to meet at a park and have a BBQ. Since most of us will have children and other loved ones come into our lives after high school, a park party is a great way to introduce your old high school friends to the new people in your life.