I'm reading Northanger Abbey now, since its the only Austen novel I haven't read, and I came across a lovely quote that fits perfectly with this blog. It is just after Catherine has met Mr. Tilney, and he starts talking to her friend Mrs. Allen. Catherine is left to her own thoughts, and when Mr. Tilney asks her what she was thinking about, she denies that she was thinking of anything. Tilney replies: "That is artful and deep, to be sure; but I had rather be told at once that you will not tell me."

"Well, then, I will not" [Catherine retorts]

Tilney then states: "Thank you; for now we shall soon be acquainted, as I am authorized to tease you on this subject whenever we meet, and nothing in the world advances intimacy so much."

See, even Jane Austen new that teasing is a sign of friendship.