ABSTRACT
In this chapter I explore the reasons we have to form and maintain friendships. While I do not argue that the only reasons we have to make friends and care for them are reasons of self-interest, I argue that we do have such reasons, that they are strong reasons, and that those kinds of reasons might often weigh in favor not only of forming friendships but also of ridding ourselves of friendships that no longer contribute to our overall well-being. I begin by saying briefly how I understand the relation of friendship. I then talk about what I mean by reasons of self-interest. I conclude by emphasizing the importance of such reasons in both forming, maintaining, and ending friendships.
