ISSN : 1229-0653
Friendship is one of the basic interpersonal relationships. Until these days, however, this concept has not received enough attention. In this literature review, the definition, nature and basic components of friendship have been discussed. And the difference between friendship and romantic love, and the mechanism of friendship formation, -i.e., social peneteration, self-disclosure, and the gain-loss theory of self-esteem are explained. In addition to the general nature and process of friendship, the difference among different life stages of change of the relationship over the life-spain is reviewed. Especially, in childhood send aging, the need of friendship is increasing. Finally, the importance of confidents and social network in late adulthood and aging is emphasized.