THEY say you can count the number of real friends on one hand. And they are wise words in the Facebook era, when it's possible to have hundreds.
Robert Dunbar, a British anthropologist, famously said that most humans have 150 close contacts. However, the latest YouGov research shows that the average Brit has between one and five close friends. The survey also revealed a third of UK adults value friendships more than before the pandemic.
But what's the ideal number?
"The golden number is between three and seven," says Shasta Nelson, author of Frientimacy (shastanelson.com). "Research shows if you have this number you're 60 per cent more likely to feel happy." Shasta believes it's important to have a variety of friends too.
Here, she outlines the seven friendships we all need - and how to find them.
1 THE FREQUENT FRIEND
This is a person you see regularly at places you often visit, for example a parent at the school gates or a fellow dog walker. Their presence helps you to feel like you belong when you go somewhere in particular.
Find them: You're probably already saying hello but if not then start with a simple "hi" and get talking. Take it slowly, don't share too much personal information too soon. If you click, this acquaintance could blossom into something deeper.
But don't have high expectations either, your frequent friend may not be looking for another confidant.
2 THE INVITER
Bu hikaye Daily Record dergisinin November 21, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Daily Record dergisinin November 21, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
GOVAN DOCKS
A year into his reign and Phil's Gers still lack identity and appear to be going nowhere fast
IT It's been a sleep learning curve for Cerny
Star's dream double after Lyon nightmare
FALKIRK WHEEL IS FINE BY ME
Luke glad he's punished as a team-mate, not an opponent
The last wee while has beer a bit of carnage so I need a reset
Knackered Bob planning total shutdown after running on empty at Dunhill Links
Jamie wants a Hampden roar
Dobie will relish big clash at SL home of football
TEAR IT DOWN
Couple ordered to demolish dream house after planning appeal rejected
Maddie suspect could walk free in months
'Insufficient' evidence fear as trial ends
COLD TURKEY
Lee tells how shivering in the icy waves helped him swerve drugs and now he is helping others
Union role helped me be a leader
SIR Alex Ferguson said the skills he forged as a trade union official helped him become one of the greatest football managers of all time.
Shops hit with fines for selling kids vapes
MORE than 40 shops have been fined after being caught selling vapes to children.