Final answer:
Similarity and proximity play crucial roles in forming both friendships and love relationships, with people tending to connect with others who share common attributes or are physically nearer to them. The Triangular Theory of Love by Sternberg further illustrates the components of love present in different types of relationships, including friendships.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research shows that similarity plays a significant role in both friendship and love. According to McPherson, Smith-Lovin, & Cook (2001), we are naturally inclined to form bonds with individuals who share our background, attitudes, and lifestyles. This phenomenon, known as homophily, suggests that forming connections is easier when people have common interests such as music taste, hobbies, or food preferences. Furthermore, the proximity of individuals significantly influences the formation of these relationships, as it is more practical to develop bonds with those we regularly encounter. This is supported by research by Festinger, Schachler, & Back (1950), which indicates that we are more likely to become friends with people who are physically closer to us, such as neighbors or those in the same living community.
Robert Sternberg (1986) proposed the Triangular Theory of Love, which underscores the components of intimacy, passion, and commitment. These elements characterize the different types of love we experience in various relationships. For example, companionate love, which is common in friendships, includes intimacy and commitment but not necessarily passion, highlighting a key similarity between friendship and love.