friendship with pal?

[xs]

Is there any way to be friends/good care for them? I have no desire to make slaves out of them, but I haven't found information anywhere about treating them kindly

[Chaser5D]

You just don't do that stuff and you'll be rewarded with slower progression in general.
Don't think theres a tea party mode though.

[Euri]

Having them help you around the base is not being cruel to them. Just keep them fed, build them beds, and build them things that help them stay comfortable. They are very cute when they help you build stuff and cheer about it. They only get sad if you mistreat them.

So yes, you can absolutely be kind to your pals.

[Theofratus]

I mean, you can technically pet those in your party and feed them by hand, but it doesn't have a gameplay effect, or it doesn't seem to anyway. It may deter stress and avoid debuffs, but that's all.