what are friends for

Mutual aid expected

A rhetorical question suggesting that helping someone is simply what friendship entails—no thanks necessary.

Usually follows an expression of gratitude: Thanks for picking me up from the airport. —Hey, what are friends for?

The phrase affirms that the favor was given freely, without expectation of repayment.

Related

trust · through thick and thin · forgiveness · no questions asked · comfort · shoulder to cry on · reciprocity · lending a hand · connection · secret · validation · empathy · loyalty · ride or die · mutual respect · listening · in your corner · kinship

Opposites
social reciprocity and obligation

what are friends foryou owe me

Favor requires future repayment

quid pro quo · tit for tat · pay it back · strings attached · transactional

attitude toward helping others

what are friends fornot my problem

Dismissal of accountability

fend for yourself · every man for himself · sink or swim · tough luck · too bad

relational warmth vs. hostility

what are friends forbackstabber

Disloyal pretend ally

fair-weather friend · frenemy · stranger

Family

friend, friends, friendly, friendliness, unfriendly, friendship, friendless, befriend, befriended

Familiarity
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Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G