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FRIENDSHIP
How Does a Grown-up Make Friends?
Tips for those who are shy, awkward, and introverted like me
Have you seen some of the articles talking about the friendship crisis? One story in The Telegraph highlighted research that 2.5 million men across the UK have no close friends they could turn to with worries about money, work, or their health.
I read another one that was titled, “The biggest threat facing middle-age men isn’t smoking or obesity. It’s loneliness.” It referenced a decades-long study by Brigham Young University, which found that loneliness raises the risk of premature death by 26 to 32 percent.
I get it. I’m a middle-aged man and have been caught up with work and family for decades. It doesn’t leave much time for activities with friends.
At first, I thought that this friendship issue was unique to older folks, like myself. But, this summer, I read about a YouGov survey that found that Millennials are “the loneliest generation.” 30% of Millennials say they always or often feel lonely.
By contrast, 20% of Gen-X said the same. Only 15% of Baby Boomers reported feeling that lonely. Those party animals.
It looks like many of us are struggling with making friends and staying in touch over the years. However…
