[Model Answer] Because of childhood segregation of boys and girls, young children prefer friends of the same gender. Accordingly, children have limited experience building cross-sex friendships. Furthermore, American society traditionally promotes same-sex friendships and cross-sex coupling. The answer can be found on page 252.

[Model Answer] Communal friendships are based on a mutual enjoyment of sharing time with another person, usually participating in leisure activities. Such friends make time to get together with each other frequently, and disclose personal information. Agentic friendships, on the other hand, are based on mutual goals or activities. Agentic friends are less likely to seek each other’s company if other priorities intervene. They are also less likely to disclose personal information. The answer can be found on pages 248 - 249.

[Model Answer] The key characteristics that define friendship include (1) it is voluntary, (2) it is driven by shared interests, (3) it is characterized by self-disclosure, (4) it is rooted in liking, and (5) it is volatile. The answer can be found on pages 247 - 248.

[Model Answer] Technology can foster friendship by helping friends remain connected with each other’s lives and activities, even across long distances. A blend of both face-to-face and online communication actually makes existing friendships stronger. Finally, online communication helps extremely shy or introverted people develop bonds with friends. However, the 24/7 access to friends via technology may also place burdens on friendships as friends may misinterpret and misunderstand communications without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. The answer can be found on page 250.