Why is there an option to follow someone?

[Liam Smith]

You can't stop it from happening automatically, you'll have to do it yourself whenever you send a request.

And it's actually quite useful, because for example if the person you're trying to add has too many friends, you can 'follow' them instead to see their wallposts.

It's basically the same as having them on your list, but you cannot inbox them or post on their wall!