The "-ship" suffix isn't applicable to everything, but it basically means "the state of" something. So friendship is the state of being friends (with someone), hardship is the state of difficulty, relationship is the state of having relation (to or with someone), etc.

I agree with Torusan's answer. Adding "-ship" as a suffix creates the meaning, "the state of being ___", but we also have other suffixes with the same function (-hood, -ness), so you just need to learn -ship words as new words.

Good question. Adding "ship" to a few certain words will make it seem that it has been that way for a longer time. Example: You are a friend now, but we have not had a friendship, yet. This will take time! After several months we can say we've had a friendship. Also, we are members of italki, right? I think it has been a good membership. It's exactly like saying, "It has been a good experience."

You have to understand that nomarly "ship" used as a noun means a large boat, as a verb means to transport (on a ship). contrastly, in that situation, ship is just a portion of friendship and hardship or maybe you can think abt relationship as well. LOL. Don't be misled bro...