New Friendships Can Grow Into Deep Bonds

The article notes a growing “friendship famine” with fewer close ties and describes ways women, especially in midlife, are finding and strengthening friendships. It presents practical meeting places and the ADORE method (Appreciation, Desire, Openness, Reliability, Experiences) to help new connections deepen.

Female friendships are the focus of the piece, which links renewed interest around Galentine’s Day to broader questions about how women form close connections. The article describes a trend psychologists call a “friendship famine,” with many people reporting fewer close friends. Experts interviewed highlight the particular importance of friendships in midlife, when life changes often increase the need for support and validation. The piece also reviews research on biological and health-related aspects of female friendships. What the article reports: - Psychologists have used the term "friendship famine" to describe fewer close social ties, attributed in part to social media, busy lives, and the pandemic. - Women release oxytocin more readily during positive social interactions, and some studies cited connect female social support to longer survival in stressful health contexts. - A midlife therapist quoted says strong friendships provide support, validation and closeness during life transitions. - Practical ways to meet people mentioned include neighborhood contact, volunteering, local classes, community groups, and intergenerational activities. - The article lists apps and online groups used to meet women, naming Bumble BFF, Hey! VINA and Peanut and noting Peanut reports millions of monthly users. - To deepen new friendships, the article presents the ADORE method: Appreciation, Desire, Openness, Reliability and Experiences. Summary: The article emphasizes that forming and tending female friendships remains important across life stages and offers examples of places and tools people are using to meet others. It also describes the ADORE framework as a way to nurture nascent connections. Undetermined at this time.