What is the Definition of Friendship?

  • Thread starter Thread starter dekoi
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion on the definition of friendship explores its nature as both a biological and emotional phenomenon. Participants emphasize that genuine friendships are characterized by mutual concern for each other's well-being, contrasting them with superficial relationships often influenced by social status or financial gain. The conversation references key texts such as "Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus" and "How to Win Friends and Influence People," highlighting themes of emotional attachment and ego management. Ultimately, the consensus is that true friends invest equal energy into the relationship, akin to familial bonds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships
  • Familiarity with concepts from psychology regarding attachment theory
  • Knowledge of social dynamics and their impact on friendships
  • Awareness of influential literature on relationships, such as "How to Win Friends and Influence People"
NEXT STEPS
  • Research attachment theory in psychology to understand emotional bonds
  • Explore the impact of social status on friendships and relationships
  • Read "Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus" for insights on gender differences in relationships
  • Investigate techniques for building genuine friendships and emotional connections
USEFUL FOR

Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of human relationships, psychologists, sociologists, and anyone interested in improving their social connections and emotional intelligence.

dekoi
Define friendship.

Is it strictly a biological phenomenon which causes us to be attracted to one another?

Is it attraction caused by common values and beliefs?

How would one differentiate a friend from an acquaintance?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Bump!

----
 
Grizzly bears have no fun

People such as Jay Leno and George Bush have all the friends money can buy, or what some people call yesmen.

Most human relationships are attachments some of which is brought on by survival or emotional needs.

Unlike grizzly bears, humans are social creatures. In the books "Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus" and "How to Win Friends and Influence People" the books main themes is maintaining and sometimes manipulating other people's egos. I guess genuine friends are those who are concerned for your well being. They are rare.
 
RAD4921 said:
I guess genuine friends are those who are concerned for your well being. They are rare.

Perfectly stated. I hate to sound non-opinionated, but i agree.
 
"Strangers are unknown friends."
 
Friends are people who put as much energy into your wellbeing as you put into theirs.
 
a friend is someone you love, but not romantically, very much like family. so the better question would be, what makes you feel the way you do towards family members?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 73 ·
3
Replies
73
Views
8K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
3K