First, let's define what it means to be a friend. Friends can be described as: "an intimate associate, reliable, one who is not an enemy or foe, an ally, etc" (Webster's, pg. 540). Thus, based upon the definition of a friend, we can assert that friends should not betray one another, regardless of the circumstance. This is true, if and only if, it is in the best interest of the friend.

Secondly, trust is an issue that every platonic friendship must deal with. Whether dealing with matters of trust is active or passive, its power is still a prevalent and pertinent quality that is mutually understood. Trust is an unwritten rule between friends and is defined as the "firm belief or confidence in the honesty, integrity, reliability, justice, etc of another person." (Webster's, pg. 1436) Trust is also described as "faith"(Webster's, pg.

There are now two things that have occurred in this relationship. The trust is destroyed and the loyalty has been seriously compromised. This does not mean that they can't still care about each other but it does means that Cindy and Adam would have to begin again and re-mend the gash in there relationship in order to continue a normal healthy relationship. Regardless of the amount of work put into setting things right, there will always be the issue of trust sitting in the back of Adams mind.

For example, Joe and you are now closer friends, he still works on your car and you still are loyal about bringing your car back time after time. Only in this circumstance Joe and you go out fishing all the time because he is a knowledgeable fisherman and not too bad of a guy. Although you would never bring him home to eat dinner with your family because of his, habitual, foul mannerism. Essentially you and Joe are friends because you enjoy each other, but only in the context of those set parameters. Just as before, Joe needs $20,000 to restart his failing car business. Are you going to be totally loyal to this person you call a friend? Most likely you will not. Whereas, in the rare event that you find a companion pleasurable in all aspects and find them to compliment your personality, you have found a friendship of character, thus the likelihood of you helping Joe in his time of need would increase nearly 100%.

Pakaluk, Michael. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. 1991. pg. 30

Some common words found in the essay are:
, Essentially Joe, Joe Webster's, Cindy Adam, Adam Cindy, Peer Councilor, Car Shop, Schuster Inc, Company Inc, webster's pg, friendships utility, loyalty trust, pg 1436, issue trust, confidence honesty integrity, means friend, effective service, type friendship, honesty integrity, belief confidence, webster's pg 1436, firm belief confidence, belief confidence honesty,
Approximate Word count = 1814
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)