The 7 Stages of Friendship and How it’s Different
One of the first things you will probably notice about pony society is the fact that they are an incredibly social and physical people. Hugs and touches are far more common among the ponies than humans back on Earth.
For those of you that have found yourself in the form of a pony, you will find yourself adapting to this quite well. Your new instincts will slowly encourage you to open up, but for the rest of us it might take a little more time to adapt.
Hopefully, this pamphlet will help you know what you’re in for. To do that, you have to understand the levels of friendship and what to expect as you grow closer to ponies.
Also, just a quick disclaimer, this is just to give you an idea of how things work. Friendship isn't a science that can be precisely quantified. Some friendships may work very different than described here. This is merely a guide to help you know what to expect.
Level 1: Acquaintance
This is really no different than among humans. This is someone you know and are friendly with, but have no strong feelings toward. You might say ‘good morning’, but probably won’t be inviting each other to your homes.
Level 2: Work friend, neighbor, etc
This is someone who you see and talk to every day. Like the acquaintance, you don’t have any strong feelings toward each other, but you enjoy the limited contact you have.
Level 3: Friend of a friend, new friend, etc
This is someone who you enjoy being around and actually might consider a friend. You know things about each other, care about each other, but don’t go out of your way to spend time together.
This is the first level in which physical contact becomes regular. This contact, though, is limited to quick, one armed (or forelegged) side hug or similar contact.
Level 4: Friend
This is someone who you hang out with and take time out of your day to know. You know things about each other’s private lives and invite each other to events, parties, etc.
At this level, physical contact is more common, with hugs, and light touches being normal. This is the point in which some might start to feel less than comfortable.
Level 5: Good friend
This is a point where you know each other well. You have met relatives and friends of theirs, you invite each other to birthdays, weddings, and other important events. You probably even have nicknames for each other.
At this level things might become uncomfortable for some. Touching and hugging are common and frequent and last longer. Things like hip bumps also start to be normal.
Also at this point ponies will often engage in sexual acts. Sex between ponies that aren’t romantically involved is considered normal. If this bothers you, please keep in mind that we are the ones intruding on their home. Don’t be upset. Instead, just let them know how you feel. Most ponies are very accommodating and will understand.
Level 6: Close friends
By this point, the two of you know each other that most will never know. You support each other and help each other through difficult times and always think about them whenever important events occur.
At this level, (unless you are uncomfortable with it) sex is normal. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it likely has once or twice.
Level 7: Best friends
You are inseparable. You’re not even just friends anymore, but family. You support each other through good times as well as bad and stand by each other in their most important moments.
By this point, sex is normal. Even if you are not very comfortable with it, there’s a good chance you might be okay with it here. If you are okay with it, it probably happens often, even if you or they are romantically involved. You or they might even join the other with their partner.
Obviously, the most difficult part to get over is the ponies’ openness when it comes to sex. Even if it isn’t something just any pony will seek, it is still often quite a shock when a pony you’ve become close to sudden and casually asks if you want to have sex.
Even before that, the amount of physical contact among ponies can be jarring and some may not even be comfortable with that.
Keep in mind that this is the their world. We cannot expect them to change their culture and beliefs to cater to such a small minority. However, we also should not feel the need to change our own beliefs just because we’re here. Instead, don’t be afraid to share how you feel. Let your friends know what you are and aren’t comfortable with and they will respect it.
I hope this helps you on your journey through the strange, if welcoming, world of magic and friendship.
You’re fellow terran,
Shirotora