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A recent National Public Radio segment on Americans and their friendships caught my attention while driving to an appointment.
I personally cherish my lifelong friendships with men and women from high school, university, fraternity, career, neighborhood, worship, military, and related.
During the broadcast, research authorities from the Survey on American Life, along with the American Perspective Survey organization, denoted dramatic changes over recent years.
Their research revealed the structure of friendships began to shift with the introduction of television, which somewhat displaced people-to-people interaction. In addition, over the last 20 years, there has been a decline in individuals joining groups or organizations (such as bowling leagues, clubs and service organizations, and worship).
However, they cite the most dramatic change occurred about 15 years ago with the growth of social media, which created a variety of positive and negative aspects. That is especially impactful with children, teens, and young adults.
Then, in early 2020, COVID-19 affected the world. Worksites, educational sites, social engagements, and personal relationships and interaction were stifled, not to overlook with "a toss" of divisive politics.
Somewhat related to the friendship topic are two May 2023 research documents by the U.S. surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, who outlined an increase of loneliness and the effects of social media on youth.
The Survey on American Life's study denotes the percentage of men with at least six close friends has fallen by half since 1990. In addition, one in five single men says he has zero close friends.
The 2021 American Perspective Survey's research revealed that, during the coronavirus pandemic, 46% of Americans cultivated a new friend during a 12-month period. Fifty-one percent of Americans were very or completely satisfied with their friendships, while 30% are somewhat satisfied, and 17% are not at all satisfied.
In addition, their research revealed that men are less likely than women to receive emotional support from their friends.
On the topic of best friends, research showed 59% stated they have at least one best friend, while 40% stated they do not. In 1990, the best friends statistic was at 75%.
Twenty-one percent stated their best friend was a family member, while 78% revealed their best friend was outside their immediate family.
On the topic of politics, for most Americans, a political affiliation is probably not a prerequisite for forming a friendship.
However, both Democrats and Republicans are far more likely to have friends who belong to their preferred party. About eight in 10 Democrats (82%) and Republicans (80%) say they have at least some friends who share the same political identity. Importantly, Republicans have more bipartisan friendships than Democrats do. A majority (53%) of Republicans say they have at least some friends who are Democrats. In contrast, less than one third (32%) of Democrats say they have at least some Republican friends.
With part of that research in mind, what are the benefits of close friends?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is a strong correlation between friendships and good health. They say friends:
* increase your sense of belonging and purpose,
* boost your happiness and reduce your stress,
* improve your self-confidence and self-worth,
* help you cope with traumas such as divorce, serious illness, job loss, or the death of a loved one,
* and encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise.
In maintaining a quality friendship, what are the dos and don'ts?
According to Suzanne Degges-White, a Ph. D. writing in Psychology Today, here are the six guidelines in maintaining a solid relationship:
* Support, trust, and honesty are given.
* Listen to your friends.
* Ditch the judgment.
* Don't talk behind a friend's back.
* Respect your friends and their boundaries.
* Forgive where you can and seek forgiveness when you screw up.
According to the most recent U.S, Census Bureau statistics, there are nearly 62,000 residents in Northeast Michigan's four-county region.
Statistically, loads of opportunity for you to make new friends.
Friendships offer well-being and good health, with a side of love.
Go for it!
Jeffrey D. Brasie is a retired health care CEO. He frequently writes feature stories and op-eds for various Michigan newspapers. As a Vietnam-era veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve. He served on the public affairs staff of the secretary of the navy. He grew up in Alpena and resides in suburban Detroit.