1. MEN & WOMEN SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES
FRIENDSHIPS
MEN & WOMEN
SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES

2. 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

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

4. 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”

5. 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.”