Are you a one-or-two-friends person, or a 100-friends person?

United States
November 27, 2007 12:57am CST
I am fascinated by this subject. I think having several children who are very different from one another helped me observe this phenomenon up close and personal. I believe that there are really only two kinds of people (I realize I'm generalizing, but just for brevity's sake)--those who have a very small circle of friends (1 or 2), or those who have a wide and diverse group of friends sometimes numbering in the 100s. Which type are you? The small circle of friends type, or the huge circle of friends variety?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@lbinkley (1075)
• United States
30 Nov 07
I consider myself to be both. I have a large circle of friends.. really. Or maybe you would say that they are more like aquaintences. I don't talk to them all the time, I know they are there if I need them. We are friends, but we aren't always together and whatnot. Then I have my friends that I talk to on a VERY regular basis and I am extrememly close to. I consider these friends to be an actual part of my family.
1 person likes this
• United States
30 Nov 07
I can understand that. So you really do sound like both, but if we're talking about close friendships, you're more of a small circle of friends person. I'm a bit like you in that. I also know a huge number of people cordially or casually, but I really only have maybe four real close friends that I can talk about anything with. Thanks for responding! :)
• Philippines
29 Nov 07
I am the small-circle-of friends type. I believe in the concept of "strength of weak ties." By that, I try not to get too close to a person, but just maintain a cordial relationship with him or her. I'm not saying I don't want to meet new friends. Of course, I do. Just that I try to maintain a distance.
• United States
30 Nov 07
I understand what you're saying. I suppose we do that to protect ourselves from getting hurt. Most of my relationships with people are kind of on the cordial level, too, although I know literally thousands of people (real folks, not cyber "friends"). I seem to see a trend of people who are small circle of friend types that like to talk to perfect strangers online. I guess it's the same issue. It's a way to safely talk to someone without getting too close and too hurt. Thanks for participating! :)
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
27 Nov 07
Well I for one came from a big family, my father has ten siblings and he's the eldest. Some of them are even on my age bracket, that we easily get along with each other and forget the uncle-nephew relationship. I prefer to make more friends, since I go to different places and I want to learn more of other people's personality and their behavior. When visiting a new place, I always establish good relationship with them since I know we can share different thoughts. It's fun knowing and meeting new friends, because you'll never know when you'll come across with each other again.
• United States
28 Nov 07
It sounds like you're a friendly one, too. That's a huge family that your dad has! Wow! I agree with you about having friends in a lot of places, so when you travel, there is usually always someone there you can stay with or hang with. Is knowing and meeting new friends one of the reasons you're on myLot? I imagine it is. Me too. It's nice to make new friends, isn't it?! Thanks for responding to this discussion :)
@musicman6 (2406)
• United States
28 Nov 07
I,also, am fascinated by this phenomenon! I myself, am only a one or two friend person, but I socialize with everybody including perfect strangers! The very close friends I have, can be counted on one hand! I am not as trusting as other people! I don't like large crowds,crowded rooms,I just like my space, and my freedom!
1 person likes this
• United States
30 Nov 07
I thought so, too. I'm interested in how many one or two friend people have lots of friends that they confide in online. That's kind of a whole phenomenon of its own. I understand what you mean by not being as trusting as other people. I guess it depends upon how many times you've been "burned," don't you think? I'm a bit the same way. I also really don't like crowds. I have had a couple panic attacks in the middle of cities in Asia where I was absolutely paralized and freaked out because so many people were touching me! I guess that's kind of weird, but I do understand what you mean. I like lots of personal space, personally :) Thanks for your response, my friend!
@nkhanna (922)
• India
27 Nov 07
when i was in my school i had lots of friends some 30-40.but later on in my college days and after that the number just decreased to some 2-3.now i can say that i still have lots of friends but there are only 4-5 on whom i can really trust and can ask for help at any point of time.they are the ones who are very closest to my heart.i think rather than making 100's of firends its better that we go for few but with a golden heart.
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Nov 07
I agree with you on your conclusion. I would also rather have a few good friends who are truly my friends through thick and thin, than have lots and lots of people who are kind of casual friends. I like your expression "a golden heart." I have three friends like that--they truly have golden hearts! Thanks for your thoughtful response to this discussion!
@SpankMe (68)
• Philippines
27 Nov 07
i'm a two friends person. i choose my friends.
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Nov 07
I see. Why is that? You didn't really explain yourself very well. Is it because so many people SpankYou? I hope not. Two friends. That's not a whole lot, but I guess it's enough for some people, huh?! Thanks for responding :)