Friendship is easier when neither person needs to keep score.

Scorekeeping introduces a different logic into a friendship. Once you are tracking who paid last, who called last, who traveled last, generosity becomes an investment and the relationship acquires a mild constant tension. The freedom comes from trusting that it evens out over years without anyone needing to verify it. That trust is what makes the ease possible.

If you notice yourself counting, ask whether you actually feel used or whether you have just started keeping records. If it is the latter, stop counting for six months. If it is the former, the problem is not the tally and needs a conversation.