"Friendship is often our first line of defence against loneliness, providing connection, support, and a sense of belonging. Yet even in adulthood, maintaining these relationships can be challenging, and when friendships fade or become one-sided, the resulting isolation can be profound. Loneliness is a growing concern in both the United Kingdom and the United States."
"In Great Britain, one in four adults reports feeling lonely "often," "always," or at least some of the time, with young adults aged 16 to 29 reporting the highest rates at 40 percent (Office for National Statistics, 2025). In the United States, approximately 52 million adults experience significant feelings of loneliness on a given day (Gallup, 2024)."
Maintaining adult friendships requires intention, time, and mutual communication, and chasing friends who never respond creates stress and emotional fatigue. Signs that friendships are drifting include lack of response, cancelled plans, and quiet withdrawal. Friendship provides connection, support, and belonging, acting as a key defence against loneliness. One in four adults in Great Britain reports feeling lonely often or always, with 40 percent of 16–29-year-olds affected; about 52 million adults in the United States experience significant loneliness on a given day. Chronic loneliness carries serious health risks, including depression, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. Cultural patterns shape how friendships form and persist.
Read at Psychology Today
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