November 9, 2025 | 09:57 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - According to a study, making and maintaining new friendships becomes increasingly challenging as one gets older. The results of a survey of 2,000 American citizens conducted by Talker Research show that 7 out of 10 respondents (69 percent) agree that having many close friends becomes difficult as they age.
On average, respondents have four close friends. In the past ten years, the average person has lost nine friendships. Interestingly, losing friends is more common in younger generations, with Generation Z experiencing a higher rate than boomers. In terms of gender, male respondents reported losing more friendships than average over the past 10 years, while women reported losing friends at a slower and lower rate.
Geographical Distance as the Main Reason
As reported by The New York Post, there are several reasons why people struggle to form friendships. Fifty percent of respondents say geographical distance is the biggest factor in ending friendships. The second most common reason is life transitions, with 48 percent of respondents ending friendships due to career changes or marital status.
Lack of effort also emerges as a major cause, whether it's the individuals who stop contacting or themselves who stop reaching out. Other prominent reasons include a lack of time and a change in values. Millennials are most likely to see friendships fade due to changing values, while boomers most often blame geographical distance.
Tips for Expanding Social Circles in Adulthood
According to clinical psychologist Kylie Sligar, the difficulty of forming friendships in adulthood stems from the natural decrease in social opportunities. "Making new friendships in adulthood can be really challenging due to not having as many built in opportunities in everyday life," said Sligar. "Additionally, so much of life is virtual these days."
Sligar recommends initiative, consistency, and a willingness to be vulnerable as key to creating new and lasting connections.
Some practical ways to meet new people include attending community events, volunteering, joining hobby groups, trying apps designed specifically to find friends (such as Bumble BFF), and hosting your own events.
"There are so many other adults out there feeling lonely and looking for friendships; you are not the only one. We just have to be brave enough to put ourselves out there knowing we might have to tolerate feeling a little uncomfortable or awkward," said Sligar.
Melika Ayaza contributed to the writing of this article
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