Friend vs. Aquaintance poll

[Anonymous]

What does a friend versus acquaintance look like to you?

At what point does an acquaintance become a friend? Or when is a friend really just an acquaintance?

Does it matter if you hang out with a larger group, same text threads, exchange Christmas cards ?

(Background I was watching the Karen Read trial and the defense was grilling an EMT about her relationship to the sister of somebody involved. They were really delving deep into if they were friends or acquaintances, which got me discussing this with my husband.)

[Anonymous]

Friend is someone I would do something one on one with and make a point to get together and catch up, etc.

Acquaintance is someone I (mostly) like but see more in a group setting or through a shared experience or person. I may chat with them or run in similar circles but I wouldn’t call them a friend unless there is a more intimate relationship and reciprocity and effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Friend is someone I would do something one on one with and make a point to get together and catch up, etc.

Acquaintance is someone I (mostly) like but see more in a group setting or through a shared experience or person. I may chat with them or run in similar circles but I wouldn’t call them a friend unless there is a more intimate relationship and reciprocity and effort.

Op here and that’s more or less how I define it too.

[Anonymous]

Friends are the people you can tell hard or uncomfortable things to because you trust them. It’s often earned through longevity. The people you stay close to even when they aren’t physically close anymore. The ones you can go awhile without seeing, but pick up right where you left off with no awkwardness.

Acquaintances are more superficial and/or situational. They can develop into friendships with time, but often the relationship withers if the situation that created it changes.

[Anonymous]

I have a lot of both. Friend is someone with whom I make plans. (If we live in the same place.) Acquaintance is someone I see when I go out but we don't purposely make plans. But we might still do more than small talk. I have some deep acquaintances and some shallower friends. So it's a little amorphous.

[Anonymous]

hahah Lawyers and trials are so stupid
friend v pal ? Friend or BFF? Acquaintance or passerby ?
I am sure the jury found that relevant.