Understanding the basics of friendship, and having basic skill in the art of friendship, can assist us greatly in maintaining and improving our relationship health.

Having friends, for one, is an important part of happiness. But friendship is also the basis of healthy romantic relationships.

So: What is friendship? How can we cultivate a rich social life? How can we better nurture the friendships we have, and create new friendships?

We would propose that the essentials of healthy friendship include the following:

1. Friends play with each other.
2. Friends, in the context of their friendships, support each other's growth and well-being.
3. Friendship has a strong basis in mutual admiration.

Think about a friendship you enjoy now, or have enjoyed in the past. Go down the preceding list, and for each item, ask yourself: does it apply?

When you get conscious about what makes friendships work - and what makes other "friendships," by contrast, inadvisable - you put yourself in a great position to maintain and improve your relationship health.