Freedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases; neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them—and then, the opportunity to choose.
People can be divided into these types: strangers, acquaintances, familiar people, friends, and close friends. True friendship isn't about compliments to your face, but whether you're mentioned when they talk about friends behind your back.