The friendship recession

There is a decline in both the time people spend with friends and the number of close friendships they sustain

- Sonali Gupta

Close friendships where we feel seen are like a soothing balm.

(ISTOCKPHOTO)

A 45-year-old female client says she's becoming increasingly disillusioned with friendships. “Despite having many friends, in the last two years there is this subtle, consistent feeling of disconnection. My heart aches for real conversations, not likes or comments on my social media, which is barely a glimpse into what I'm feeling. I wish they engaged with me more at a personal level.”

It's ironic that our phone constantly reminds us of notifications from friends on social media, yet we are feeling alone, craving meaningful conversation and getting confused as we can’t make sense of this new dynamic. Feeling dis connected, sensing unequal effort in maintaining friendships, not getting the same amount of care back, and absence of close friendships have emerged as a theme in sessions over the last three years. Clients aged 20-50 are more likely to bring this up.