Final answer:
A friendship is a bond based on mutual trust, support, and the goodwill friends have for one another, greatly influencing happiness and health. This bond is often fostered by proximity, allowing for shared experiences and growth. Although comparable to symbiotic biological relationships, friendships are uniquely human associations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A friendship is best described as a bond between two or more people based on mutual trust and support. This relationship is characterized by the genuine goodwill and affection members have for one another, and it's often rooted in shared experiences and a deep understanding of each other. Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, further elaborates on the concept of friendship in his works by emphasizing the role of virtuous friendships in our lives. He distinguished between incidental friendships, which are based on either utility or pleasure, and perfect friendships, which are formed for the sake of the friend's character and the mutual goodness that arises from it.
Close relationships, whether among a group of friends or within a family circle, are significant to our happiness and overall health. They offer emotional fulfilment and can contribute profoundly to our flourishing in life. Relationships commonly develop based on proximity and increased contact with others, fostering opportunities to share experiences and grow a sense of identity with the group.
It's worth noting that the concept of symbiosis in biology somewhat mirrors the dynamics of a friendship. Symbiotic relationships involve different species living in close, long-term associations, often resulting in mutual benefits. While friendships involve humans and are not the same as biological symbiotic relationships, both share the fundamental principle of close association for the benefit of those involved.