Friendships in adults

Earlier this year, a study from health insurer Cigna found that most Americans report feeling lonely, left out and not known. This research mirrors a host of other reports and commentary including our own on the increasing isolation of Americans. In light of this seeming loneliness epidemic, Barna has been examining the role of friendships over the years and how Americans—across all demographics—make, keep and identify with friends. In this article, drawing from a number of recent Barna studies, we take a look at the state of friendship in America. Those who report the highest levels of loneliness are single, male, young and likely earning a lower income. Asked whether their current friends are mostly similar to themselves or mostly different from them in a number of areas, the majority always chooses mostly similar.

Some prefer to text every day, while others favor a long phone call every now and then. The Attachment Theory analyzes how the bond children develop with their caregivers affects their thoughts, feelings, and behavior later in life. The way that we are nurtured as children influences the attachment we feel to other key relationships in our lives, both romantic and platonic. Friendship is an important thing to cling to during this uncertain time, so we asked experts how we can best support our friends according to their attachment styles , because everyone is reacting to this loss of human interaction in different ways. Take the attachment style quiz to learn which of the four behavior patterns you identify with: secure, anxious, avoidant, or fearful. Patricia Celan tells HelloGiggles. Reassure your friends that you will be there for them during this difficult time no matter what, whether that involves giving space or being a shoulder to cry on.

Things were so much easier when we were kids, including making friends. Back when saving for retirement and anti-aging creams were in the very distant future, maybe you didn't give much thought to chatting up your peers at the playground. But, now that socializing is probably at the bottom of your long list of priorities, you might be wondering how you'd even make friends as an adult in the first place, or why you should bother.

I have friends who like to hike, and friends who like to chat over coffee and friends who live far away but whom I talk to a few times a year. But close friends? Not so much. A childhood friend and I had a falling-out, never to be repaired. Another close friend moved away.