by Tim Driver

Created on: August 01, 2010   Last Updated: August 06, 2010

Few aspects of human interaction have more complexity than the concept of friendship. There are so many kinds and levels of friendship that each one is unique.  To assume that there is a uniform standard or definition of what being a friend entails is to  oversimplify the concept. Friendships do share some commonalities, however. They are the foundations or building blocks that define different categories and degrees of human companionship. They can be as basic as occasional cordial conversation, or as complex and intricate as an intertwining of souls- the model of Christian love.

Regardless of what level of friendship one desires from another, understanding the different qualities and levels of human acquaintances helps avoid misunderstandings, minimizes dissatisfaction and disappointment, and allows for camaraderie even in its simplest forms, to flourish. Understanding these concepts at their deepest levels allows for life-changing alliances that can last beyond a lifetime.

The level of friendship determines what qualities are necessary from the people involved. The more complex and intimate the friendship, the more encompassing commitment the human qualities entail. It is this variety of relationship and human interaction that keeps the interest and well-rounded contact with the world’s other inhabitants.

Levels of Friendship

The levels of friendship involve: One-Way Simple, One-Way Complex, Two-Way Simple, and Two Way Complex. While there are healthy and unhealthy versions of these scenarios, understanding how they are built and sustained allows individuals to recognize what types of situations they find themselves in, and how to manage or alter them for the best results.

One-Way Simple

This kind of relationship is one where most or all of the effort to maintain the relationship resides with one person. The simplicity aspect implies that expectations by both participants are low. It might be an occasional phone call, birthday card or text once a year, or perhaps the occasional ball game or play. It also might be a situation where one person has something that the other occasionally needs, like the ability to fix a car, or lend a cup of sugar. What makes it one way is that the same person most always initiates the interaction. There is no pressure to take the relationship to a higher level, and little or no expectations on the part of either person. There are no deep feelings or life experiences shared and therefore, it is an interaction

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