Maintaining Essential Friendships

Friendship is a state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust between two people.
Friendship can be categorized into three types according to Aristotle: utility-based, pleasure-based, and character-based.
Friendship is in decline due to increasing geographical mobility, delayed romantic relationships, and technology.
Friendship can be revived by being more judicious about why and how relationships happen.
Maintaining friendships involves continually opting in and valuing the relationship.
Distance doesn't have to matter in maintaining friendships.
Making friends as adults is more complicated than as children due to lack of repeated, unplanned interactions and shared vulnerabilities.
Pleasure and utility-based friendships are more susceptible to end as interests change, while character-based friendships are more enduring.
Avoid actively seeking out shallow relationships and focus on those that challenge and stimulate personal growth.
Recognize why you are with people and why others are with you.

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