Some people have higher social
Despite the high volume of #squadgoals grams posted by acquaintances you don't actually go out with, it's actually perfectly normal to have just a few close friends. So whether you've grown apart from your high school or college friend group, or never had one to begin with, here's why—and why it's OK!
If you have multiple best friends, it can actually be more fulfilling, because it ensures that you have your emotional needs met on different levels, Dr. Bonior says. The idea is that different people can provide you with different kinds of emotional support.
It is perfectly fine to have friends from every social circle and for all of your friends to not know each other. By not limiting yourself to one elite group, you are allowing yourself to explore relationships with a bunch of different people and to be exposed to a lot of different opportunities.
According to new research, we make just 29 real friends in our lifetime and only six of them last the distance. A study, which charted the social lives of 2,000 people, showed that we lose touch with almost half of the friends that we make.
In general, based on 2021 survey data, the average person in America has between 3 and 5 close friends. According to this survey: almost half (49%) report having 3 or fewer close friends. over one-third (36%) report having between 4 and 9 close friends.
The study suggests we benefit from "feeling a sense of belonging within one's social network" and, really, that could be achieved with any number of buddies. The ideal number is three to five, but it's of course possible to have fewer than that (or more) and be living your best life.
Maintaining a lifelong friendship isn't easy. In fact, a 2009 Dutch study found that a large majority of friendships only last about seven years. Like any relationship, friendships take work if you want them to last.
A small group of friends also makes it easier to trust and understand each other. Close friends who know about our goals, struggles, and responsibilities are more likely to help and understand us. They understand how complicated our lives are and can give us good help and support when we need it.
True friendships are admittedly rare, but they are possible if you know how to be one yourself and what to expect from others you want to call friends.
Research suggests that between two and four close pals can positively affect a woman's overall well-being, reducing stress levels, increasing happiness and enhancing coping abilities. The life-affirming bonds of deep and abiding female friendship even translate across species.
A close friend is honest and speaks from the heart with good intentions. They tell you what you need to hear in a way that you can hear rather than gossip behind your back. A quality friend is trustworthy, not only are your secrets safe with them, but so are your vulnerability, fear, and weirdness.
There are a few reasons for feeling lonely even when surrounded by friends and family: You hide your true self. You have a history of being misunderstood or judged. Perhaps you feel insecure about certain aspects of your personality.
If you often think, "I have no friends," you might wonder if it is normal or okay to feel that way. While research suggests that friendship can be important for your well-being, this doesn't mean that you have to be surrounded by other people or have a long list of close friends to be happy or healthy.
What he discovered was that only about 30 percent of our closest friends remain tried and true after seven years, and 48 percent remain in our immediate social network (meaning we actually talk to or hang out with them on occasion).
Recent research actually tells us that the average female friendship lasts 16 years, which is 6 years longer than the average romantic relationship. Once we turn 55, our friendships on average last 23 years!
Lifelong friendships are rare — and that's part of what makes them so special. Cherish your opportunities if you are so very lucky to have such a gift, and don't take for granted the relationships you have. Are we really meant to have the same set of friends throughout our entire lives?
The Times article also suggests that you need about 3-5 very close tight friends for “optimal wellbeing”. It is interesting that the amount is 3-5 very close tight friends, and not just one best friend. Within a group of 3-5 friends, there is always the chance of unbalanced triangles coming up.
Experts suggest seeing your friends at least once a week, if not more! Having good friends not only increases life expectancy but it also reduces stress and depression and can have a good influence on your health too.
According to “The Friendship Report,” a global study commissioned by Snapchat in 2019, the average age at which we meet our best friends is 21—a stage when we're not only bonding over formative new experiences such as first love and first heartbreak, but also growing more discerning about whom we befriend.
Crucially, the study discovered that the maximum number of 'connections' for men and women peaked around the age of 25 years old. In other words: the number of friends (or 'connections') you had at 25 is the most you will ever have and they all then steadily decrease for men and women.
While it is sad to think about losing friends as we get older, losing friends in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s is perfectly normal. In fact, it's even regarded as healthy and shows that you're maturing. So when does this friend drop-off point occur? Studies show that we begin to lose friends in our mid-twenties.