Discussion of friendship

By friendship, we broadly understand a close relation between people based on reciprocal affection; a form of interpersonal bond which is created between people who usually share the same values or perspectives on life, or appreciate the other’s perspective even if they have conflicting ideas.

The short story "The Fabulous Button Sisters" can offer some guidance because it shows what does not characterise friendship and can help you draw your own conclusions about what a friendship should be like.

In the short story, the relationship between the main characters, teenagers Karen and Michelle, appears to be one of friendship, but it is, in fact, one of domination. Michelle constantly asserts her control and superiority over Karen, by dictating how they should dress, what they should read, what they should eat and even how Karen should act:

“Own the stage, Karen,” she hissed once much later when I had to go up to the front of the maths class to finish the problem on the board. “Own the track...