How to Distinguish Between Peers, Groups and Friendship

Friendships are based on common goals and interests plus respect for each other.

Relationships among both the people you know and those that surround you can be difficult to define, but they usually can be divided into different categories. These categories can include classifications such as peers, groups and friends. The characteristics of each of these categories are what make up the dynamics of each individual designation.

Instructions

1. Define the common interests of the three groups. Peers and friends will fall into a similar category, as both are based on mutual interests and goals. Peers may not like each other or even know each other well; but they are bound together by the same environment or objectives. Friendships can come about within peer groups and so, in some instances, can actually be considered a byproduct of peer groups.

2. Study the common characteristics of the three groups. Again, peers and friends will be more similar because they have mutual associates, interests and goals; whereas groups are random and may not have any commonality. For example, a group of people walking down a sidewalk in New York City may have absolutely no common denominator other than the fact that all of the individuals are in the same area at the same time. Another group may be in a theater and, depending on the movie, may have little in common other than their interest in the same film -- although ages and interests may overlap -- due to the story content and genre of the movie.

3. Decide which relationship is most beneficial to an individual at any given time. Friendships provide individuals with support, companionship, self-esteem, confidence and a sense of belonging. Peers can assist with social skills, competition and a general sharing of knowledge. Groups will vary in their usefulness, depending on the general makeup of participants, reason for being and location.

4. Realize that friendship may not always be the most desirable of relationships. Not everyone needs or wants several friends. Peer groups can be found in school, at work or in social situations and are beneficial to social status and a sense of belonging. Groups are relatively unavoidable, because they are everywhere in life; the grocery store, in the streets, on the subway and buses, and sports events.

References

• National 4-H Council and the University of Arizona: Peer Relationships and Friendships
• Jeffrey G. Parker, Ph.D.: Some Speculations on the Social Skills Basis of Freindship Formation and Maintenance