A friendship is a shared bond with another person, typically of common interests. A friend is honest, loyal, faithful and trustworthy. He is someone you can share secrets, memories, fears and dreams with. I stand by you despite any arguments or disputes that may arise. Friendships can bring joy, as well as pain; friends want the best for each other and sometimes sacrifices need to be made. In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck talks about the benefits and pitfalls of a friendship. Friends have a strong influence on each other. George, a small, responsible but sharp-tongued man, is admired by Lennie, who is dependent and, with incomplete mental development, childish. The two men are part of an uneven friendship, in which George is superior. Steinbeck quotes, “Lennie, who was watching, imitates George exactly” (Steinbeck 3). Craving George's acceptance and approval, Lennie imitates George. In the back of his mind, Lennie's understanding includes that he is different and must prove himself, and by imitating George, Lennie hopes to be found acceptable. Furthermore, George's company is what keeps loneliness from consuming Lennie. Lennie shouts, “'He won't'... 'He won't do anything like that. I know Giorgio. He and I travel together'” (Steinbeck 98). Lennie has faith in their friendship, and he has every right to, since George hasn't abandoned him. Despite all the problems Lennie caused them, George chose to stay with him. This is a demonstration of true friendship, because George could have easily left Lennie at any point in their dangerous journey. For George, his personality changed as a result of his association with Lennie. At the beginning of the novel, George expresses his impatience... middle of paper... then towards a friendship, a lifestyle and a dream. Whether George realized it or not when Lennie was alive, he needs Lennie; their company is what separates them from the loneliness experienced by all the other workers, like Candy. Steinbeck's text suggests that friendships are not always what they appear to be. When you think of a typical friendship, some things that generally come to mind include pleasant encounters and happy memories through compassion, caring, and kindness. However, in George and Lennie's friendship, the two share compassion, care, and kindness, but not along with pleasant experiences and joyful memories. Instead, hard work and responsibility, for George, are what make their bond so strong. Slim notes, “'I hardly ever saw two boys ride together'” (Steinbeck 37). Despite the challenges, friendships are still the key to a happy and enjoyable life.