Once a friendship is established, it is assumed that friends can make certain demands on each other and be assured of a response. Nondisabled friends talk about the obligations that they had taken on vis a vis their friend with a disability, such as teacher, mentor, carer, or protector. Feelings, from Companionship to Intimacy. All of the friends held feelings of affection for each other, expressed through their actions and how they spoke with each other. Freely Chosen and Given.
Friends choose each other.
It is this voluntary aspect of friendship that is regarded as the amazing and wonderful part of the relationship. Private and Exclusive Nature. Within the boundaries of each friendship is a private relationship that is now accessible to others. The friends have a history and an understanding of their connection to each other that separates this from all of their other relationships. Hovever, it is possible to create opportunities for people with and without disabilities to meet and spend time with each other in ways that encourage friendships to take root and flourish.