MEN & WOMEN SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES FRIENDSHIPS MEN & WOMEN SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES

Themes in Women’s Friendships Women’s Friendships are typically centered on conversation. Talk is action, not a replacement for action Women friends cultivate interpersonal intimacy through dialogue

Women’s friendships serve therapeutic functions Women’s friendships are situated in culture, class, life position, and affectional circumstances

Men’s Friendships Closeness in the Doing Continuity: Shared history, Expectation the relationship will be significant in the future Perceived Support and Dependability: Reciprocity of assistance Shared Understandings: Often coded affirmations in place of intimacy Perceived Compatibility: Awareness of a “good fit” e.g. shared “maleness”

Self-Revelation and Self-Discovery: Even if not “self-disclosing,” still share a much - trust Having fun together: Focus on activity rather than talk, a closeness in the doing Intermingled Lives: interdependence, yet independent Assumed Significance: Less talk, “we do stuff together. He just knows I like him.”