24 male and 24 female college undergraduates (aged 18 to 50 yr.) responded to close-ended and open-ended questions concerning a relationship with a male or female best friend. Subjects rated important variables derived from theory and previous attraction-friendship research. There was no evidence for gender differences except that “shared interests” and “stability of relationship” were more important for friendships with a male, and female subjects rated “boost each other's egos” as more important than males did. Physical attractiveness was more important for other-sex relationships than for same sex. Self-generated characteristics suggested important variables not included in social psychological literature.
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