Science of a True Friend

Let’s say you ask your friend a question (Q) and you get one of the 2 replies
(R1 or R2)

Q: Can you do me a favour?
R1 : “yes” or “I will try “
R2 : “What?”

If your friend replies with R1, I think you can be rest assured that the person is a true friend. The converse however is not true. Your best friends might give reply R2. Both you and your friend might know in advance that your friend will be more than happy to do you the favour, but just that she is curious or impatient to immediately know the exact nature of the favour! Instinctively, most people would answer with a ‘What?’

I myself asked a friend for a favour about 8 years back. He instantly replied with “I will try” though I had known for just a short while then. I was pleasantly surprised at his willingness to unconditionally help me. Ever since, I try to always reply with a ‘Yes’ to this question and more often that not, I can see the face of the person asking me for the favour break into a smile:)