This study, formulated as an attempt to investigate the controversy on the similarity or dissimilarity of personalities of friends, has indicated, if nothing else, that this is not the crucial issue in interpersonal relations. The key to greater understanding of the dynamics of friendship lies in further investigation of 2 factors: the mutual satisfaction of needs, and the availability of social contacts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)