It was not until the 18th century that women’s friendships had any public notice.

In the past, Western literature associated true friendship exclusively with men. With few exceptions, like Ruth and Naomi in the Bible, an ideal friendship consisted of males: Damon and Pythias, Achilles and Patroclus, and Hamlet and Horatio.

War, in particular, supposedly produced bonds of loyalty and understanding outside women’s experience. Indeed, Aristotle, Cicero and Montaigne believed true friendship was only possible among men. This remained the case well into the 20th century, shown in twosomes like Laurel and Hardy, Tonto and the Lone Ranger, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

In recent years things have changed and female friendship has become the gold standard. Friendships among women are upheld as far deeper, more intense and longer lasting than men’s.

This has left me pondering. What bout you….any thoughts?

GFS Perth has been enabling Friendship for almost 140 years. Check our socials or Events Calendar. #FriendshipRevolution