Are we in the middle of a ‘friendship recession’?

How many friends do you have? And how many of them do you consider truly close friends? Some experts are concerned that the number of real friends is shrinking.

According to a 2021 study done by the Survey Center of American Life, the number of men who claimed to have no close friends went from 3% to 15% since 1990.

Similarly, the number of men who claim to have at least six close friends went down from 55% to 27%,

The so-called ‘friendship recession’ affects men and women, but not equally.

Men are by far the more affected, since the survey highlights that are they less likely to seek emotional support or share feelings with their close ones in times of crisis.

Economist Bryce Ward, speaking to Reader’s Digest, argues that the Covid-19 pandemic, higher use of technology, and fewer group activities are partially to blame.

Another trend that the Survey Center of American Life factors in is that US people are spending twice as much time with their children than previous generations to the detriment of spending time with people of the same age.

“We’re exercising more alone… we’re shopping more alone… time in rotary clubs and bowling leagues and all that stuff… had all fallen,” Ward explains to Reader’s Digest.

Loneliness, the news website VOX points out, can affect our immune system and be detrimental to our health.

A socially isolated person is more likely to develop diabetes, cancer, high-blood pleasure, and heart disease.

And that’s not even bringing up how isolation affects our mental health, causing all sorts of ailments from sleep disruption to Alzheimer’s.

A 2022 piece by Catherine Pearson in The New York Times offers four strategies that could help men to deal with the current “friendship recession”.

First off, not being afraid to show vulnerability and share feelings and ideas with others.

Secondly, be aware that friendships might be harder to form the older you get. Sometimes you must put yourself out there, take a class or join a club focused on something you’re interested in and reach out.

Next, seek connections with everyday people you interact with. Invite some coworkers for drinks or a cup of coffee after work or make small conversation with people in your gym or supermarket.

Finally, don’t forget to check in! It might not seem much but a casual text, phone call, or visit can do wonders to make new friendships grow and strengthen established relationships.