FRIENDSHIP STORIES, CONFLICTS, AND SOLUTIONS
Keywords:
Friendship, psychology, vulnerability, oxytocin, neural synchrony, Social Penetration Theory, propinquity effect, expectation gaps, conflict, misunderstanding, social pain, anterior cingulate cortex, memory bias, self-serving bias, hostile attribution bias, repair attempts, “I feel” statements, specific apologies, laughter, emotional resilience, long-term friendship, slow fade, turning-point conversations.Abstract
This article explores the psychological foundations of friendship, focusing on how friendships form, why conflicts arise, and how they can be effectively resolved. Drawing from research in social psychology, neuroscience, and conflict studies, it explains that deep friendships develop through shared vulnerability, oxytocin-based bonding, neural synchrony, and repeated low-pressure interactions. The article highlights that most friendship conflicts stem from expectation gaps and cognitive biases rather than intentional harm. It examines how the brain processes social pain similarly to physical pain, which intensifies emotional reactions during friendship tensions.
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