George and Lennie the protagonists from the novella Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck have the strongest relationship in the novella. “because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, that’s why.” (John Steinbeck, pg.15) They both need and depend on each other, share the same dreams and take care of each other. George was thrust into this parent role for Lennie. George holds onto to Lennie’s work card and always does the talking for him. George could have left Lennie when he was in trouble but he decided to run with him. They look forward to their American dream and it’s something that keeps them going. It has always been George and Lennie until Slim. In the third chapter George confesses to slim what had happened before they came on this ranch and his relationship with Lennie. George finds an ally in Slim and it’s a relief to be able to talk about Lennie. Their relationship helps George deal with the stress of taking care of Lennie and have someone to talk to. It would be overwhelming from time to time to take care of Lennie. At the end of the book Slim tells George “You hadda, George. I swear you hadda.” (Steinbeck, pg.107) Slim was the only one who understood what really happened, and comforted George. Many people prefer companionship over being alone. Lennie helped George grow as person. People can find friendship in unexpected places or situations. Relationships influence us in the way we talk, lifestyle choices and we grow from it. Companionship can affect us positively or negatively and we learn from it.