The friends status that you choose will alert everyone that you are friends with someone, and that they are now part of your special circle of trusted people. The friend status lets you decide which friendships you make public, and which ones you keep to yourself, giving you the option to decide for yourself how much others know about the relationship.
Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's about who came and never left your side.
The world is full of nice people. If you can't find one, be one.
Talking to your best friend is sometimes all the therapy you need.