In "House Rules" by Jodi Picoult, the character Jacob expresses a frustrated viewpoint on friendship, suggesting that developing meaningful relationships isn't straightforward. He feels that unlike other aspects of life, friendships do not have clear guidelines or instructions to follow, making the process complex and confusing.

This sentiment reflects a deeper truth about human connections, highlighting the challenges of navigating social interactions. Jacob's perspective underscores the importance of understanding and effort involved in forming genuine friendships, emphasizing that such bonds require time and patience rather than a simple step-by-step approach.