Despite being seen as friendly, a 2019 study found that the average American struggles to form new friendships, with most not making any new friends in five years. Shyness, introversion, and a reluctance to go out were cited as reasons. Scientific research shows people have more genetic traits in common with friends than strangers, falling in love can lead to the loss of close friends, and people make around 400 friendships in their lifetime, but only 33 last.
If you were to ask people from all over the world to describe the typical American personality, the word “friendly” is likely to be mentioned. Yet despite the apparent friendliness, findings from a 2019 study suggest that the average American struggles to form new friendships. After digging into the social functioning of 2,000 Americans, market research firm OnePoll found that most hadn’t made any new friends in five years, and 81 percent said they thought forming lasting friendships was very difficult. The survey of 2,000 adults, conducted with the help of online invitation maker Evite, found that 45 percent of respondents have difficulty making friends, often due to shyness or introversion, and 63 percent said their their friendships have ended more often because one of them drifted away. In addition to shyness, factors cited for the apparent lack of ability to make friends included a reluctance to go out to bars, feeling that the other person no longer had “room” for new friends, and not engaging in leisure activities. where other people could meet.
Friendship Facts:
Scientific research has found that people typically have more genetic traits in common with their friends than with strangers.
According to the work of anthropologist Robin Dunbar, falling in love tends to lead to the loss of two others whom a person considers close friends.
On average, people make around 400 friendships in their lifetime, but only 33 of those last.
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