frenemies

I think sometimes that, on the whole, we fail to teach girls and women positive ways of communicating and interacting with others. The frenemy phenomenon seems to me to highlight this. Although the experience is certainly not limited to a particular gender, it does seem to be a more common occurrence among females. The duality and deceptive nature of the frenemy relationship reinforces my suspicion that females are taught to be indirect: to work towards what they want through manipulation rather than open communication.

Consider this current episode of This American Life, dedicated entirely to the concept of the frenemy:

This American Life, Episode 389: "Frenemies"
Broadcast September 11, - September 13 2009

"This week we bring you stories about friends. Or wait, enemies? How about both? Tales of estranged sisters, BFFs breaking up and making up and breaking up, and how reality stars walk the fine line between making friends and making a name for themselves. Plus a new poem from David Rakoff."

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=389

Other articles which discuss the topic:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/personal/08/24/frenemies/index.html

http://www.sheknows.com/articles/806142.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glenn-hurowitz/obamas-best-frenemy_b_274040.html

The word frenemy was first used sometime about 30 to 60 years ago, but has recently entered into widespread use. Merriam-Webster announced on July 9, 2009 that frenemy would be among the new words added to the dictionary this year.