- published: 11 Aug 2016
- views: 169444
Imaginary friends (also known as Imagery Companions, pretend friends, and invisible friends) are a psychological and social phenomenon where a friendship or other interpersonal relationship takes place in the imagination rather than external physical reality. Although they may seem very real to their creators, children usually understand that their imaginary friends are not real. The first studies focusing on imaginary friends are believed to have been conducted during the 1890s. There is little information about the development and the appearance of imaginary friends in children. However, Klausen & Passman (2007) report that imaginary companions were originally described as being supernatural creatures and spirits that were thought to connect people with their past lives. Adults in early historic times had entities such as household gods, guardian angels, and muses that functioned as imaginary companions to provide comfort, guidance and inspiration for creative work. Eventually the phenomenon of imaginary companions passed on to children. The era when children began having imaginary friends is unknown, but it is possible the phenomenon appeared in the mid–20th century when childhood was emphasized as an important time to play and imagine.
Imaginary friends
They will always let you down
And when all the good times end
You won't be seeing them around
For they run where the action is
And they'll cross you off their list
Do you comprehend now?
To imaginary friends, you don't exist, no
They'll ask you where you've been
But never wait for your reply
They'll meet you when your ship comes in
But never meet you eye to eye
As all the friends who've been real and true
Wonder who you're talkin' to
One thing you can depend on
Imaginary friends, they can't see you, no
You can paint them a beautiful picture
But they won't understand
You can count all your friends on the fingers
Of one scalded hand
Imaginary friends
They will always leave you hanging
And you won't see them again
For they've gone where the action is
And they've crossed you off their list
Do you comprehend now
Imaginary friends, they don't exist, no