Friendship

Friendship is a type of interpersonal relationship that is found among humans and among animals with a high intelligence, such as the higher mammals and some birds. Individuals in a friendship relationship will seek out each other's company and exhibit mutually helping behavior.

Friendship is the topic of study of sociology, anthropology and zoology. Various theories of friendship have been proposed, among which social psychology, social exchange theory, equity theory, relational dialectics, and attachment styles. See Interpersonal relationships

Etymology

The English word is of Germanic origin, and related to the Old English fréond with the same meaning, and the Old Teutonic frijôjan, to love.

Friendship among animals

History

Developmental aspects of friendship

Modern forms

Bibliography