Is a sponsor a friend?

My role as a sponsor is this:

(1) To guide individuals through the Steps.
(2) To share what I have learned about how to apply the Steps to everyday life.
(3) To answer questions about fellowship and service.

Occasionally, there is a little chitchat, but only if the Stepwork is being completed. If I chitchat with drowning men who refuse to grab the life-preserver, I'm aiding their destruction. I won't do it.