Friendship: an exploration and appreciation of ambiguity

This paper examines the phenomenon of friendship from a social-psychological perspective. A discussion of the status of friendship in modern society provides the backdrop for an analysis of the form and content of friendship. The substance of friendship is said to lie in an appreciation and exploration of ambiguity. The focus of the paper is on the meaning of friendship relationships to people who become involved in them. Friendship is discussed in relation to individuality, character and emotional life.