Friends. The more the merrier, right? But how many of these pals are actually close friends and how many are just acquaintances? In this article, we investigate how to tell the difference and suggest strategies on how to maintain relationships with friends while also making new ones.
What Is The Right Number Of Friends?
The right number of friends is a subjective question. Some people are perfectly content with a small group of close friends, while others enjoy having a large social circle. There is no wrong answer, as long as you are happy with the number of friends you have.
That said, there is some research that suggests that most people naturally gravitate towards having around 100 friends. This may be because our brains are hardwired to remember and keep track of around 100 faces. Beyond that, we start to struggle to remember everyone’s names and details about their lives.
So if you’re wondering whether you have too many or too few friends, ask yourself how comfortable you feel with the number of people in your life. If you’re happy with your current situation, then you’re probably right where you need to be.
How Many Friends Do You Have Now?
The truth is, most of us can’t even keep track of the number of friends we have. We’ve got our Facebook friends, our LinkedIn connections, our Twitter followers, and our real-life friends. And then there are the people we know from school, work, or our hobbies.
It can be tough to keep track of all these different groups of people, let alone maintain meaningful relationships with them all. So how many friends do you really need?
As it turns out, the answer may be less than you think. According to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, humans can only maintain close social relationships with a maximum of 150 people. Beyond that point, our relationships become more shallow and less meaningful.
So if you’re trying to keep track of more than 150 friends, you might want to reconsider your priorities. Instead of trying to maintain superficial relationships with a large number of people, focus on deepening your bond with a smaller group of close friends. These are the people who will truly be there for you when you need them.
Making Friends as an Adult
It can be tough to make friends as an adult. You’re no longer in school, and you don’t have the same opportunities to meet people that you did when you were younger. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find friends as an adult. There are plenty of ways to meet people and make friends, even if you feel like you’re starting from scratch.
One way to make friends as an adult is to get involved in your community. There are often community events or activities that you can participate in. This is a great way to meet people who share your interests. Another way to make friends as an adult is to join a club or group. This can be anything from a book club to a sports team. Joining a group gives you the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and goals.
If you’re having trouble making friends as an adult, don’t worry. It takes time and effort, but it’s definitely possible to find friendships that will last a lifetime.
What If I Don’t Have Any Close Friends?
If you don’t have any close friends, don’t worry – you’re not alone. According to a study by the University of Colorado Boulder, about 25% of people report having no close friends.
There are a number of reasons why people might not have close friends. Maybe you’ve just moved to a new city and haven’t had the chance to meet anyone yet. Or perhaps you’re introverted and find it difficult to make new friends. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of ways to meet new people and make close friends.
Here are a few ideas:
– Join a club or organization that interests you. This is a great way to meet people with similar interests as yourself.
– Attend social events and functions. Whether it’s a party, networking event, or even just going out to bars or clubs with friends, putting yourself out there is key to meeting new people.
– Get involved in your community. Volunteering, joining neighborhood groups, or even just striking up conversations with people you see regularly can help you make new friends.
What The Number Of Friends You Have Says About You
If you have a lot of friends, you’re probably outgoing and enjoy socializing. You might be the life of the party, always up for a good time. Having a large group of friends can also mean that you’re popular and well-liked.
If you have only a few close friends, you might be more introverted. You might prefer one-on-one interactions or smaller groups. You might be more thoughtful and deliberate in your relationships.
Both types of friend groups are valid and have their own benefits. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to how many friends you should have. It’s all about what works best for you and what makes you happy.
Conclusion
The takeaway from all of this is that you don’t need a ton of friends to be happy. Just a handful of close, supportive relationships are really all you need to feel fulfilled and content in life. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your social obligations, cut yourself some slack and focus on quality over quantity when it comes to friendship.