There is an important difference between love and friendship. While the former delights in extremes and opposites, the latter demands equality.

Lord, defend me from my friends; I can account for my enemies.

Friendships, like marriages, are dependent on avoiding the unforgivable.

A friendship founded on business is a good deal better than a business founded on friendship.

Aren't I enough for you?' she asked.
'No,' he said. 'You are enough for me, as far as a woman is concerned. You are all women to me. But I wanted a man friend, as eternal as you and I are eternal.'
(Women in Love)

There it was, Eve supposed. There was the answer to why people got tangled up with people. Because when you were down, when you were wallowing, someone you mattered to would ask if you were okay.