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It should be noted, however, that in that ancient society, such noble (third-type) relationships tended to be multi-generational; that is, to take place between
by Nomentatus 9y ago
It should be noted, however, that in that ancient society, such noble (third-type) relationships tended to be multi-generational; that is, to take place between "allied" families/clans with good working relationships of longstanding. So while there might be no carefully-judged reciprocity between the clans individuals, there was reciprocity over generations between the clans they each belonged to.
He also doesn't mention another common sort of friendship at that time (particularly in Athens) - mutual memberships in small societies of young men whose bond was breaking laws (often sacred laws) together; a form of hazing since any one could turn the rest of the group in and probably get them all the death penalty or exile, their guilt was their bond. In modern times, profoundly embarrassing (or illegal but consenual) hazing activities done in secret perform a similar function. These relationships would look like type-3 relationships from the outside. Slaves or residents, or females (which is to say, non-citizens) would not generally be able to form such noble relationships since they would not have the stability or standing to make them work over generations.
It's very hard to get around the principle of reciprocity in human relationships, because unconscious mind.