Insert word here --->

Why is there no word that means "special person in your life"? We have friends, family, loved ones and close associates. Why is there no word that lumps these together? There is surely good use for such a word. There are so many special people in my life. I want a way to refer to this group of people without having to laboriously break it down to explain it.


I want a word that means, "one of whom I am fond" or "one whom I cherish". Is there a word? Am I forgetting about it?


loved one (too intimate)
peer
friend
contact
associate (this is close but far too formal)
connection
ally
accomplice


None of these words will do. Think you know the word I'm looking for? I'll pay top dollar for the right word.
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