Recent data highlights a concerning decline in the satisfaction and depth of adult male friendships. In response, a trending TikTok theory, known as the #7FriendsTheory, suggests that adults should ideally have seven specific types of close friends. While this theory lacks direct scientific backing, its popularity indicates a deep-rooted yearning for meaningful connections among many people. Although it’s vital to cherish and nurture these friendships, it’s equally important to understand that friendships can be diverse and not strictly categorized.
Key Points:
- A 2021 report revealed that fewer than 50% of men are content with their friendships, and only around 20% expect emotional support from a friend weekly.
- The #7FriendsTheory on TikTok, which has received 13.3 million views, proposes that one should have seven distinct types of close friends, ranging from a lifelong friend to a confidant for relationship issues.
- Despite its online popularity, there’s no concrete scientific evidence supporting the exactness of these seven friendship types.
- Critics of the theory suggest that it might oversimplify and stereotype friendships, possibly undermining their genuine complexity and richness.
- There’s an observed disparity in how women and men cultivate and maintain friendships over the course of their lives, with women often being more proactive in preserving relationships.
Source: https://www.insidehook.com/article/health-and-fitness/seven-friends-theory
