Ask Fred > Career/Work > What would you say are the three most important aspects of friendship?

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Dear Fred

What would you say are the three most important aspects of friendship?

Fred's Response

1) The mysterious chemistry of acceptance that develops between two people. The nearest I can come to defining it is that the little child in one person likes the little person in the other and they become friends --- then the big people become friends. 2) Confidentiality - my wife has had to understand that when I'm told something confidentially I will not share it with anyone else. 3) Mutual benefit - early in my life I was told that friendship is mutual and that if either stops gaining from the friendship it will soon die. Therefore, it is important for me to know what the other person is finding of value in the relationship just as much as knowing what I am gaining. This is the chief difference between love and friendship. Love can be unilateral but friendship must always be bilateral.