Discourse on love and friendship

Abstract

Comparing the Freudian and Adlerian models, the dualism of “love-friendship” is analyzed through the story of the friendship between two women, Ruth and Olga, which serves as a compensatory alternative to their difficulties in their relationships with men. The premise of this analysis is based on an observation linked to the social fabric of reference, permeated by the dualism of “masculinity-femininity” and “strength-weakness.” In Adlerian terms, the tendency of men to prevail over women generates a sense of dissatisfaction in women, which is compensated for by masculine protest. In the film, however, the dualism of strength and weakness does not seem to be limited to the relationship between men and women, a source of dependence and frustration, but also reappears in friendship. In fact, in order to resolve the inferiority she experiences in her relationship with the opposite sex, Olga's character seems to propose the same dynamic of fictitious superiority in her relationship with her friend Ruth. Only social sentiment and real cooperation between individuals, regardless of the nature of the relationship that binds them, can resolve this increase in interpersonal distance