👫
💑 Relationships
Do I have enough close friends?
See how your number of close friends compares to research.
friends
People you would call at 2am in an emergency
How many close friends is normal?
The loneliness epidemic is real. According to a 2024 APA survey, 1 in 4 adults say they have zero close friends. The average has dropped from 3 close friends in the 1990s to about 2 today.
Close friends by age (Pew/Gallup/Survey Center on American Life)
- 18–29: Average 3.5 close friends, 17% report zero
- 30–44: Average 2.5, 22% report zero
- 45–64: Average 2.2, 25% report zero
- 65+: Average 2.0, 27% report zero
Dunbar's Number — the science of friendship capacity
- 5: Intimate support group (closest friends/family)
- 15: Best friends (sympathy group)
- 50: Close friends
- 150: Meaningful contacts (Dunbar's number)
- 500: Acquaintances
Why friendship matters
Having 3+ close friends is associated with 2x higher life satisfaction. Loneliness carries the health risk equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Quality matters far more than quantity — 2 great friends beats 10 acquaintances.