I have a rating system for my friends. I categorize them by certain criteria and then by what activities they are suitable to share with. For instance, I have friends with whom I enjoy outdoor activities, but with whom I do not enjoy dining out. Or others with whom I like to shop or have coffee, but would not consider bicycling with. There are categories that include politics, taste in art and political ideology. Just the other day in fact, I wanted to go to an art opening in LA, but could see from my list that only 1's and 2's in that category were available. So I opted to pass on the opening. When you think about it - it makes sense.

I have a spreadsheet of these characteristics, because it helps me to keep track, and my husband recently saw it. He said it was ridiculous - a friend should be a friend, and rating them is not normal. He was, at the time, searching for his own name (of course I keep that data on a separate sheet). Now, he keeps making jokes about it and giving me odd looks. I think it's a reasonable idea, don't you?

Signed,

Organized