The Level of Friendship

Level 0: Strangers

Both of you don't know each other's names even though you might have met somewhere before, talked before, or performed an event with each other before.

Level 1: Acquantainces

You know the other person, the other person may or may not know you. When both of you meet, there is no greeting, but a silent acknowledgement (may not be mutual) of each other's presences.

Level 2: Hi-bye friends.

Both of you know each other. You may still remember each other's names, but it takes a moment for you to do so. When both of you meet, there is a "hi" or a "bye" spoken, nothing much.

Level 3: Superficial

Both of you know each other. You may still remember each other's names, but it takes a moment for you to do so. When both of you meet, you ask about superficial things like "have you eaten?" or "how was the test on friday?", which, hopefully can lead to greater conversations but never did.

Level 4: Associates

Both of you know each other and can recall each other's names. You address each other by original names, or by surnames. When both of you meet, you ask about things regarding a certain topic of interest common to both of you, e.g. about business or work, or "have you studied for your maths test?" Conversation is polite and formal- may run into some dead space sometimes. The time that you spend with each other may be long or short, but you wish that you would spend time with someone else had you a better choice.

Level 5: Friends

Both of you know each other, and can recall each other's names instantly. You address each other by original names, or by the name that you wish the other person to call you. There is a slight bond between the two of you. Conversation topics would probably include things familiar with the both of you, or with one person only. Generally a little help will be extended to each other in times of need by the other party, and both of you feel comfortable with each other around.

Level 6: Good Friends

Both of you know each other well, and other than name, can recognise some other aspects of each other, e.g. birthday, partner, other friends, etc. You address each other by the name that you wish the other person to call you, or by a nickname for some. You see each other quite often. There is a definite bond between the two of you. Conversation topics are wide, and would probably include many familiar events and most everyday events. Help will generally be extended to each other in times of need by the other party, and both of you feel happy with each other's company.

Level 7: Clique

Both of you know each other very well, in fact, some attributes of each other become the recognising factor (i.e. he or she is recognised for her birthday on March 27). You tell each other everything that can be told to anyone else (i.e. except secrets). You address each other by a nickname, otherwise by a shortform of the name. You see each other almost every day. Both of you think of one another when you want to perform an activity together, and are in each other's evoked set. There is a intimate bond between the two of you - you feel like both of you are in an inner circle of trust. Conversation topics are wide, are tailored to what both of you likes. Both you talk about anything under the sun, and would probably extend to secretive topics like emotional issues. Help will definitely be extended to each other in times of need by the other party. Both of you feel extremely happy with each other's company, and feel that the other party has the power to cheer them up sometimes.

Level 8: Buddy

Both of you know each other inside out, except for the most intimate secrets. You address each other by a nickname, otherwise by a shortform of the name - the nickname may be derogatory, but you don't mind. You see each other almost every day, if not, probably think of each other sometimes. Both of you think of each other as among the first choices when making an activity together, that requires a certain level of risk and involvement. Both of you trust each other completely. Conversation topics are wide, and extends to even secrets, and are tailored to the frequency of each other. And should either of you meet problems of whatsoever kind, the other party will be most willing to help, and will help till the end. Both of you feel extremely happy with each other's company, and feel that the other party makes their day.

Level 9: Soulmate

This is the ultimate level of friendship.

Both of you know each other inside out, until there is nothing to hide between the two of you. You address each other by a degoratory nickname, or simply acknowledge other's presence. You see and think of each other almost every day, it would be a shame if both of you weren't lovers. Both of you think of each other as the first choice when making an activity together, that requires the maximum level of risk and involvement. Both of you trust each other completely. Conversation topics are wide, but sometimes you don't even need to communicate, you already know what the other side's thinking. And should either of you meet problems of whatsoever kind, the other party will be most willing to help, and will help till the end, even if it means sacrificing anything on his side. Both of you feel blessed that you have each other's company, and should this friendship be broken, it will be a grievious loss to both sides.