Friendship is an essential interpersonal and affective bond that accompanies us from childhood to old age and, therefore, is present in all life cycles.
Friendship is a horizontal bond marked by preference, reciprocity, and shared affection, which arises within a voluntary and stable relationship. That is why friendship constitutes a unique relationship different from that one with simple acquaintances or colleagues in general, and it also implies a two-way affective exchange.
For a friendship to be established as an affective bond, there is a highly relevant condition: freedom. True friendship is the one that is established based on freedom, without any external pressure.
Essential elements of the affective bond of friendship are affection, selfless love, confidentiality, and collaboration. All these elements may be present, but if there is reciprocal freedom in the relationship, it is easier for a bond of friendship to be established.
