Friendship is a form of interpersonal relationship generally considered to be closer than 
association, although there is a range of degrees of intimacy in both friendships and 
associations. Friendship and association can be 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 
Trust in one another (able to express feelings - including in relation to the other's
actions - without the fear of being judged); able to go to each other for emotional 
support 
Positive reciprocity - a relationship is based on equal give and take between the two parties.

One of the unusual benefits of friendship is your kids never have to worry about being 
homeless. 
The importance of friendship? Ask homeless people.
Friends don't let friends live on the streets.

That's what friends are for... to help you live longer.
Let’s hear it for friends! In the quest for a longer and healthier life, friendships play a key 
role in making us happy — and keeping us healthy. While it is well known that having a 
strong social network can make our lives richer and more abundant, research has shown 
that it can boost the immune system and cardiovascular health, and even help us live longer.

A ten-year Australian study, for example, found that older people (over the age of 70) with 
a large circle of friends were 22 per cent less likely to die during the study period than those 
with fewer friends. And research has also found that strong social ties are linked to better 
brain health and motor skills like strength, speed and dexterity. (See Social networks and 
brain health and Social activity and motor skills.)

“In general, the role of friendship in our lives isn’t terribly well appreciated,” Rebecca G. 
Adams, a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina, told The New York Times.
 “There is just scads of stuff on families and marriage, but very little on friendship. It baffles 
me. Friendship has a bigger impact on our psychological well-being than family relationships.”

Strong friendships help to protect us against stress, depression, anxiety and other forms of 
mental illness, according to the Mayo Clinic. And, in case you’re wondering, the health and
 psychological benefits of friendship hold true for both men and women.

Expanding the network

While having a supportive social network is good for us, it’s not always easy to make new 
friends, or for that matter, even find time for the ones we have. (See 5 tips for keeping 
friendships warm even when life is hectic.)

If you’re looking to put yourself out there a little more, here are some basic tips for meeting
 new people and expanding your social network.

Get out with your pet. If you haven’t noticed, pets are great conversation-starters. Seek out
 a popular dog park, stop to chat with the people you pass on your daily neighborhood jaunts,
 or make pet play dates.

Work out. Joining a fitness class or starting a walking group is good for you in more ways that
 one. Get fit and expand your social circle at the same time.

Just say yes. When you’re invited to a party, dinner or other social event, accept the invitation —
 even if you’re tempted to decline because you may not know everyone there or you’re worried
 about feeling awkward. Keep in mind that you can always leave an event if it’s not enjoyable.

Volunteer or join a cause. Hospitals, museums, community centers, charitable groups, places o
 worship and other organizations are frequently in search of volunteers or new members. You 
can form strong connections when you work with people who share a mutual interest or a goal
 you believe in. Check out your city’s website for information about community groups and 
volunteer opportunities.


But the biggest benefit that friendships offer each of us, whether we're a kid just entering 
daycare or a 90 year old great grandmother, is happiness. 

Friends are an aid to the young, to guard them from error; to the elderly, to attend to their 
wants and to supplement their failing power of action; to those in the prime of life, to assist 
them in noble deeds. ---Aristotle

What price can you place on having one true best friend who's always there for you?

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