Friends and Enemies

Abstract

A recent trend suggests that there is something “wrong” with men’s friendships—that they are “superficial,” work based, activity oriented, and lacking depth and intimacy. In some ways, that can be true. Women’s relationships oftentimes are less centered on activities. Their get-togethers usually involve twos and threes, so the groups are a little smaller than men’s. In women’s friendships, what seems to be of primary importance is the relationship itself, the intimacy and the support that women can share with each other. The relationship is primarily based on feelings, with importance placed on closeness and support.