This is, as _______ says, “an intensification of casual friendship” (quote). _____ also states that at this stage each of us “benefits more (e.g., emotional support) from intimate friendships than from casual ones” (quote). Sara and I actually reaped more benefits at this stage. For example, towards the end of freshman year her father died and I was there to console her and help her in any way I could. Furthermore, this phase of friendship is characterized by knowledge of each other's values, opinions and attitudes. At this stage, we exchange affectionate messages that express our affection and love for each other and show that we care (quote). Sara and I still do it today; We text each other often and check in on each other to show we care, we comment uplifting things on social media, and we make sure to let the other person know they are loved, saying “I love you"”