I too wish to thank Trapped for his testimony about the detrimental effect of Witness Lee's teaching on his ability to form normal friendships. The effect of this teaching on my children was one reason I left the Local Church Movement. Here's a sample of
Witness Lee's sick teaching on the matter:
Question: You have sometimes said that we should avoid friendship. What is the difference between a friend and one we are built with? How do we know whom to open up to when we need to fellowship about a matter?
Answer: Fellowship is a matter of the whole Body. Friendship is a matter of personal affection. Affection easily arises among human beings when we are together for a short time. This is typified by honey, which was forbidden in the meal offering (Lev. 2:11); what is needed is salt (v. 13), which kills personal affection. Salt typifies the killing of the cross of Christ. Do not allow affection to spring up and lead to friendship. Affection sooner or later leads to corruption. Friendship has its seat in our emotions; fellowship is in the spirit (Phil. 2:1).
For all these years that I have been in the Lord's recovery, I have had no friends. However intimate the fellowship may be between a brother and me, it does not become a friendship; no personal affection is involved.
Learn to turn from your friendship in the emotion to the fellowship in your spirit.
As for the matter of being built up, the real building is based upon growth, not upon physical or emotional nearness. A physical building stays put because it is lifeless, but we often move from place to place. If we are built in, wherever we go we will have no problem with the saints, up to the measure of our growth. The building is related to our growth. Reject any thought that it involves some “flow,” attaching you to this one or that one. (Life Messages, Vol. 1 (#1-41), Chapter 35, Section 1)
This teaching runs counter to normal human well-being and healthy relationships particularly when applied to developing children. Psychological research overwhelmingly demonstrates the importance of friendships, and their positive impact on mental and physical health.