Despite what society and other people might tell you, it's perfectly okay to prefer spending time by yourself. There is nothing wrong with being quiet, introverted, and reserved. If you decide you don't mind not having close friends, don't let anyone tell you your preference is wrong.
There are many reasons why a child may not have many, or any, friends. She might be noticeably different, either physically or intellectually. He may lack social skills or a have a personality that puts off others his own age. He might not share the same interests as his classmates (for example he may hate sports).
It's fine not to have any friends in high school, although it's probably a good idea to generally be friendly with other people. It may also be nice if you had at least some acquaintances, even if you don't have any friends. And remember: it's better to not have any friends than it is to have bad friends.
In particular, students may feel lonely because: They may have high expectations to find their best and life-long friends within the first few weeks of classes. They may have a skewed perception that "everyone else has friends but I don't." Phones and social media can create a virtual connection instead of a live one.
Give your child opportunities to practice social skills as often as you can. Extracurriculars outside of the school day can be a great way for children to connect with peers that share their same interests. Encourage your child to take up a sport, join a club, play a new instrument, etc.
The reason you have no friends may be because you are shy, uncomfortable interacting with others, or simply don't go places that would lead to meeting new people. You don't have friends may have a lot to do with your mindset.
People who are uncomfortable with others or prefer to be alone may have a hard time maintaining friendships. Personality issues such as being pushy, too talkative, or controlling can be off-putting to others. Talking to an objective third party such as a therapist can help reveal issues that interfere with friendships.
Most kids don't need a lot of friends. But friendships, both in the early grade school years, and later, when they're teenagers, are crucial to a child's social and emotional growth. Learning how to form successful peer relationships is a critical skill for kids, and one they'll use — and refine — all their lives.
Research tells us that, for both men and women, the age of 25 is when most of us start losing friends. “Suddenly, your friends disappear, or you all start taking new life directions as you graduate from college,” Jackson says. “You adopt new values.
Nothing is as threatening in the social network of adolescents as the loner. Being a loner occasionally is not unusual, but it is developmentally unhealthy to be alone all the time and to avoid hanging out with a friend.
Jessica Harrison, a licensed professional counselor and owner of Courageous Counseling and Consulting, says a lack of long-term friendships is a major red flag. "It shows that they have not been committed to growing in relationships, which takes time and effort on both friends' part," says Harrison.
Being socially isolated is terribly unhealthy. Studies since the 1980s have shown that if you haven't got friends, family or community ties, your chance of dying early may be 50% higher than if you did. Social isolation is now being touted as similarly detrimental to health as smoking or not taking exercise.
"There is robust evidence that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase risk for premature mortality, and the magnitude of the risk exceeds that of many leading health indicators," Holt-Lunstad says.
There's no “right” number of friends you should have, but research says most people have between 3 and 5 close friends. Friendship is necessary, but it can feel challenging to find people who really “get” you. What's more, what you need from your friends might change as your life circumstances change.
Some research suggests that loneliness can increase stress. It's also associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems. For example, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep problems. My anxiety and depression isolates me from people and stops me from being able to do the things I'd like to do.
The absence of a close friend may be one of the most important warning signs of a youngster who is vulnerable for psychological problems. Peer relationships are important at any age, but particularly for preteens and adolescents. As with adults, friendships among kids are based on shared interests and values.
Finally, it's important that parents not place too many of their own social expectations on children. Dr. Rooney advises keeping things in perspective. “Kids need just one or two good friends.
The study suggests we benefit from "feeling a sense of belonging within one's social network" and, really, that could be achieved with any number of buddies. The ideal number is three to five, but it's of course possible to have fewer than that (or more) and be living your best life.
It is possible to find happiness without friends. As long as you have a strong sense of self and focus on activities that bring you purpose and joy, you can enjoy life at your own pace and on your own terms. Take time for self-care and self-reflection.