Is it wrong to declare "I'm your friend" without asking the other person their agreement? When I was 10, I wondered a lot about if I had any friends. I had plenty of people I hung out with, liked, and who liked me, but I wasn't clear on what a "friend" is and what the rules are for declaring friendship. If I know and like you, can I correctly call you my friend? Even without asking you? Is it rude to do that? If you don't like me, does that make us not friends or does it make you my friend but me not your friend?
I can’t help but wonder if this is a serious question for an adult. If you don’t know if someone is your friend, the answer is no, that person is not your friend. It’s really that easy. Third graders pass notes that say “am I your friend? Circle yes or no.” Adults know who they can call when the worst possible thing just happens and when the best possible thing happens. When it’s the same person, that’s your real friend.
Friendship gradients run from "Here's a beer" to "help me bury this body." Probably "come help me move" is right in the middle.
