The term has most often been used to describe females who tangle with their female friends

Females are more competitive with their friends than men due to cultural circumstance, Apter theorizes

"Males, having a much lower threshold for complications in friendships, will disengage themselves from a negative friendship more easily, and faster, than the typical woman," Yager says.

Every friendship -- no matter how solid or tentative -- has mixed feelings of support and antagonism. Apter says that "among female friends there is also something else: a wish to offer support and see a friend thrive, on the one hand, and a fear of being left behind or out-shone, on the other." In essence, the "hate" part of a love-hate relationship isn't really hate -- it's envy or insecurity

How to salvage a love-hate relationship

1. Don't make things worse.

2. Keep a support system.

3. Focus on the good.

4. It's your friend's problem.

5. Don't let her get to you.