Now, we’re not yet 100 percent on how that “friend in need” maxim should be interpreted, but we’re a lot closer to seeing how it functions and how it can work in practice. Make the time, vulnerably share your thoughts, and raise the stakes. If all goes well, they do the same. This gets us away from transactional relationships. With trust established, we can ignore costs to a greater degree, as can they. You don’t worry about how big the favor is or what they’ve done for you lately—you’re past that. Now you only have to ask one question: “Are they a friend?” And if they are, you help.
