Friendship is a form of interpersonal relationship generally considered to be closer than association, although there is a range of degrees ofintimacy in both friendships and associations. Friendship and association are often thought of as spanning across the same continuum. The study of friendship is included in the fields of sociology, social psychology, anthropology, philosophy, and zoology. Various academic theories of friendship have been proposed, among which are social exchange theory, equity theory, relational dialectics, and attachment styles.
Value that is found in friendships is often the result of a friend demonstrating the following on a consistent basis:
- The tendency to desire what is best for the other
- Sympathy and empathy
- Honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one's counterpart
- Mutual understanding and compassion; ability to go to each other for emotional support
- Enjoyment of each other's company
- Trust in one another
- Positive reciprocity — a relationship is based on equal give-and-take between the two parties.
- The ability to be oneself, express one's feelings and make mistakes without fear of judgement.
Honestly though? Can friendships really be defined? Can words be able to truly describe what goes on between two people living their lives parallel to each other? Some days you hold hands through life, some days you have to watch the other fall, but are right there helping them get up and taking care of them. Some days its just simply walking.....walking right beside them and letting them know you're there for them no matter what.
Have you ever been in a restaurant and you see two people eating and you know they're just friends? A true comradeship? But if you listen long enough or listen closely enough you'll see they're completely opposites and have nothing in common? Or even better, they are the oddest two people you've ever seen together?
Friendships have this way of exceeding boundaries put up by society. It has joined worlds, continents, cultures, families, and so much more by its powerful pull. You can't go through life without it. And yet, it causes such heartbreak, trials, struggles and pain. But then again, never have you ever experienced such joy, laughter, fun, harmony and love. When a friend sticks closer than a brother so to speak. When they love you when no one else will, when they accept you when others see you as strange or different, when they get you without words and when they love you even if you break their hearts. Friendship.....it's so much more than a word, but how can you hope to ever explain its meaning?
What is friendship? Honestly? I really don't know.....because I wouldn't really be able to describe it.
You tell me.
-Rambler
