There are several factors that can make it challenging for many people to have more than just a few close friends in their 20s and 30s:
Time constraints: In the 20s and 30s, individuals often have significant responsibilities and commitments, such as pursuing higher education, starting a career, or building a family. These demands on time can limit the opportunities to meet and develop close friendships.
Relocation: Many people in their 20s and 30s move to new cities or countries for work or educational opportunities. Frequent relocations can make it difficult to maintain and deepen friendships, especially when distance becomes a barrier.
Changing priorities: As people grow older, their priorities may shift, and they may become more focused on their career, family, or personal growth. This shift can result in less time and energy available for cultivating new friendships.
Digital communication: While technology has made it easier to stay connected, it can also lead to superficial interactions. People might have a large number of acquaintances on social media, but these connections may not translate into meaningful, close friendships in real life.
Fear of vulnerability: As individuals mature, they may become more guarded and hesitant to open up emotionally to new people. Forming deep connections requires vulnerability and trust, which can be harder to establish as people accumulate life experiences.
Social circles become established: As people age, their social circles tend to become more established, making it challenging for newcomers to integrate and form strong bonds within these pre-existing groups.
Busy social lives: People in their 20s and 30s often have active social lives, but these activities may revolve around events, parties, or larger gatherings, making it harder to have deep, one-on-one connections.
Lack of shared experiences: In school or college, people tend to have more shared experiences and opportunities for social interactions. After that phase of life, these shared experiences might diminish, making it harder to bond with new people.
Friendship dynamics change: As people age, they may also become more selective about the kind of friendships they want to invest in, seeking quality over quantity. This selectiveness can lead to having fewer close friends but more meaningful connections.
It's important to note that while it can be challenging to form and maintain friendships in adulthood, it's not impossible. Being open to new experiences, investing time in meaningful connections, and actively nurturing relationships can help foster deeper friendships even in busy stages of life.