Quality vs. Quantity of Friends: What Matters More for Happiness and Well-being?
Vernica Singh
November 07, 2024. 4 minute Read
Friendships are such a huge part of life, right? They’re the people we turn to for laughter, for support, and for company when we need it most.They are your go-to person or maybe your secret keeper.
But we all approach friendships differently.
In today’s world, friendships come in all shapes and sizes. Some people seem to have a friend for every occasion, while others keep a close, small circle.
Imagine scrolling through social media and seeing someone with hundreds of friends, a busy social calendar, and endless weekend plans or maybe you keep a small circle of friends you cherish deeply.
So, which approach brings more happiness? Is it better to have a big social circle or just a few close friends? read on The One Liner, a holistic wellness platform.
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In this article, We will take a closer look at how the quality and quantity of friends each impact our happiness and well-being.
Why Do Quality Friendships Feel So Good?
Let’s start with those friends who feel like family—the ones who’ve been with us through it all. Quality friendships make us feel deeply understood and accepted. These are the friends you can be your true self with, the ones who won’t judge you for your quirks and flaws. Having a friend who knows you inside and out brings such a sense of calm and security. No matter what’s going on in life, you know they’ve got your back.
1. Close Friends Often Lower Our Stress Levels
Life can throw some serious curveballs at us, and when it does, having a friend who really listens can make all the difference. Close friendships act like a buffer for stress, almost like an emotional safety net.
Studies even show that people with close, supportive friends feel happier and less stressed. When you know someone’s there for you, it can give you strength, helping you handle life’s highs and lows without feeling so alone.
2. Boost Our Mental Health
Close friends do more than just make us feel good emotionally; they actually support our mental health. They remind us to care for ourselves, listen when we’re struggling, and lift us up when we’re down.
These friendships don’t just help our minds; they’re good for our bodies too!
Studies show that strong friendships can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and even help us live longer. So in a way, close friends are like a natural remedy for stress and loneliness.
3. Making Big Social Circle is Fun
What about those who love to have a big social circle? For many people, especially extroverts, having a wide circle of friends brings variety and excitement to life. There’s always someone to meet for coffee, to go out with on a Friday night, or to call for a quick chat. A bigger group means more options, new perspectives, and a busy, dynamic social life.
4. Larger Circles Create Good Vibes
A big social circle can make life feel more fun and spontaneous. There’s something special about having a group of friends with different backgrounds and interests—it keeps things fresh. For people who love social energy, this setup can be perfect. It helps stave off loneliness and brings a sense of community and belonging.
5. You Create your Comfort Community
Being part of a larger circle also makes us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. You may join clubs, teams, or other groups, where you meet people who share similar interests. These connections might not be super deep, but they bring a feeling of inclusion. Being part of a community, even if it’s not made up of close friends, can bring a lot of comfort and joy.
The Downsides of Quantity Without Quality
Having a big circle of friends can be exciting, but sometimes, it can also feel a little hollow. If all of your friendships are surface-level, you might find yourself longing for a deeper connection. You can end up with a lot of people to talk to but very few who actually know and understand you. This is when loneliness can sneak in, even if you’re surrounded by people.
Social media can also make this feeling worse. You may have hundreds of friends online, but how many of those friendships are genuine? Just because someone likes a post or comments on a photo doesn’t mean they’re a friend you can truly rely on. Some people with large social media circles actually report feeling lonelier because these connections often don’t go beyond the surface.
Finding the Sweet Spot!
The Debated between Quality and Quantity!
The great news?
You don’t have to choose between having a small group of close friends or a large social network. A lot of people find happiness with a balance between the two. Having a few close friends gives you that deep connection and support, while a larger circle adds excitement and variety. In fact, studies show that people who balance close friendships with a broader social network tend to be the most satisfied with their social lives.
How to Build a Balanced Social Life?
If this balanced approach sounds right for you, here are a few tips to help:
1. Prioritise Your Closest Friends
Make time for the friendships that mean the most. These are the people who will be there when you need them, so keep those bonds strong by checking in regularly, planning time together, and offering support.
2. Stay Open to New Friendships
While close friends are key, it’s always good to be open to meeting new people. You never know when you might click with someone new, and this helps you keep your social life fresh and interesting.
3. Set Boundaries
Not every friendship has to be super close, and that’s okay. It’s important to protect your energy and invest in people who bring positivity into your life.
4. Know Your Personality Needs
Introverts and extroverts have different needs when it comes to friendships. Introverts might find more happiness with a smaller, close-knit group, while extroverts might feel better with a mix of close friends and a wider network.
5. Balance Time Between Close and Casual Friends
If you have a mix of both, try to divide your time between them. Close friends give you support, and casual friends bring variety, so it’s worth nurturing both.
Ah!
Different people have different styles!
Introverts vs. Extroverts
Different Friendships, Different Needs.
Everyone’s approach to friendships varies. Knowing your social personality can help you build a friend group that works for you.
Sometimes introverts find it more difficult to connect with others or take their own time to delve into their surroundings and people around them. On the other hand, Extroverts don’t face that much problem and they catch up with people around them quickly which makes introverts insecure or the question arises “why can’t I make friends that quickly? Or “They sense a feeling of “Out of the group”.
It’s not anybody’s fault, it’s about time and being happy with who you are and what you have.
Introverts might feel happiest with just a few close friends and value deep, one-on-one time. Extroverts might enjoy both close friendships and larger social gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Embrace best of both worlds.
In the end, quality and quantity each bring their own benefits, and both can be valuable. Close friends bring support and understanding, while a larger circle brings new experiences and excitement. Together, they create a social life that feels rich and fulfilling.
Friendships are about connection, trust, and the happiness they bring into our lives. When we surround ourselves with the right people—whether it’s a few or many—we feel more supported, more connected, and ultimately happier. At the heart of it, that’s what friendships are all about.
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