Difference between "My friend" and "A friend of mine"

[Williamyh]

Hi All,

I'd like to know what's the difference between "My friend" and "A friend of mine"? e.g. He is my friend, He is a friend of mine.....

WYH

[Barb_D]

There is not a lot of difference.

Some people will tell you that if you say "He is my friend" it sounds like you have only one friend, and he is that one friend. I don't agree. To me, though, it does sound you think you may have told me about him before.

you: So I was talking to Daniel...
me: Wait, who is Daniel?
you: He's my friend from art class. I told you about him. The guy with the green hair?
me: Right, I remember.

Compared to:
you: So I was talking to Daniel...
me: Wait, who is Daniel?
you: Oh, he's a friend of mine. So anyway...