Chapter 2: The Psychology of Friendship
Chapter 2: The Psychology of Friendship Friendship is not only an emotional connection but also a psychological and biological phenomenon. While it may appear simple on the surface—two people connecting and choosing to spend time together—the science of friendship reveals fascinating insights about how bonds are formed, strengthened, and sustained over time. How Friendships Are Formed: Similarity, Proximity, and Trust Psychologists have long studied why certain individuals become friends while others remain acquaintances. Three major factors consistently emerge: Similarity We are naturally drawn to people who share our values, beliefs, interests, or backgrounds. Similarity creates a sense of comfort and validation—knowing someone “understands” us. Example: Students in the same class or colleagues with similar career aspirations often bond quickly. Proximity The famous proximity effect in psychology explains that the more frequently we interact with ...