The following is an annotated bibliography based on the research about the differences between males friendships and female friendships. I chose to research this topic because I think the dynamics of the different friendships are quite interesting. The fact that the friendships are so different, yet still hold to same importance to both males and females is something really intriguing. My interest in this topic may have stemmed from the fact that I attended and all female high school so I was familiar with the dynamics of female friendships; also, I grew up with two older brothers so I was familiar with their male friendships as well.

Berkowitz, Gale. “CND: UCLA Study On Friendship Among Women.” CND: UCLA Study On Friendship Among Women. N.p., 2002. Web. 23 Apr. 2013. This scientific study by UCLA showed the friendships between females and its relationship to stress. In contrast to men, females find stress relief through their friendships with other women. This stress relief provides many health benefits, including longer life expectancy. This article is important because it shows that there is a physical benefit to having female friendships compared to male friendships. The author is reliable, for there is scientific evidence to prove her conclusion.

Burbach, Cherie. “What Is Bromance?” About.com Friendship. About.com Guide, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2013. This article on bromance differs from the other articles because it is less formal and the author is a writer rather then a doctor. Or researcher. However, this article is great because it discusses the relationships between men in the modern world, giving a definition to the word bromance.  This article is important because it demonstrates male relationships in the modern era as well as properly explains the terminology associated with these friendships.

Cloud, John. “Why Do Girls Have BFF’s and Boys Hang Out in Packs.” Time.com. N.p., 17 July 2009. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. This article from Time.com discusses a main difference between female and male relationships: that females generally prefer to hang out one on one, and men prefer to hang out in groups. This article is helpful in that it shares scientific studies of how the female brain compares to the male brain when first meeting potential friends. It shows that there is a biological difference with why females make friends compared to why males make friends.

Fox, Kate. “Girl Talk The New Rules of Female Friendship and Communication.” Girl Talk: The New Rules of Female Friendship and Communication. SIRC, n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. This study discusses the original beginnings of friendships, dating back to the time of hunting and gathering. The article discusses how it is a natural and necessary part of life for Homo sapiens to form friendships with each other. Further, article is particularly helpful because it stresses point of comparison between male and female friendships rather then contrast. This is important for a research project in it is necessary to have points of comparison as well as contrast.

McKay, Brett, and Kate McKay. “The History and Nature of Man Friendships.” The Art of Manliness RSS. N.p., 24 Aug. 2008. Web. 23 Apr. 2013. This article from “The art of Manliness” talks about male friendship through the centuries.  It makes an interesting point on how male-to male friendships were highly revered in the ancient times because women were viewed as inferior. This article displays the dynamic of intimate male friendships, as well as provides great pictures that exemplify male friendships throughout the ages. This article is important for it discusses the history of male friendships. Further the authors are both male and female, so the viewpoint is non-biased towards one sex or the other.

Weed, William S. “The Secrets of Male Friendships.” Reader’s Digest. N.p., Oct.   2005.     Web. 28 Apr. 2013.  This article from Reader’s Digest discusses the evolving friendships between men. The article explains that men are now more open to sharing information with each other, and participating in non-sports related activities.  I thought that this article was important because it discusses how male friendships are changing in the modern era. This article may be particularly interesting to compare the friendships between men that exist today with the ones that we have read in class, specifically the Two Noble Kinsmen.