FINDING TIME FOR FRIENDS TABLE OF CONTENTS Where

FINDING TIME FOR FRIENDS

TABLE OF CONTENTS � Where Does a Day Go � Why We Need Friends � Fewer Friends Than Before � Making New Friends � Keeping The Friends You Have � Resources

Where Does a Day Go?

Why We Need Friends � Belonging to a group or community gives us a sense of identity. It helps us understand who we are and feel part of something larger than ourselves. � People with strong social connections have less stress-related health problems, lower risk of mental illness, and faster recovery from trauma or illness. � People are happier when they are with other people than when they are alone.

Fewer Friends Than Before � Those interviewed in 1985 had an average of three friends. By 2004 the average was 2. � The number of people who say they have no one to talk to more than doubled to nearly 25% in 2004. � Nearly one in 4 Americans have no close confidants at all.

Making New Friends Life happens and things change. Moving, getting married, finding new interests, these are all things that can cause us to lose friendships. The following are a few ways to find new friends: � Talk to people. Everywhere! � Join a Meetup group that has an interest you enjoy. � Start social networking.

Keeping The Friends You Have Making friends is one thing, keeping them is another. There are only a few things you need to do to keep the friends you do have: � Keep in contact � Make an effort to see them on a regular basis � Be available when they need you

Resources � Bureau of Labor Statistics: America Time Use Survey � This Emotional Life. Connection & Happiness. www. pbs. org � Kornblum, Janet. Study: 25% of Americans Have No One to Confide In. www. usatoday. com