this can create emotional distance even when the person still wants meaningful companionship.
Recognizing this pattern can be the first step toward deciding whether those protective habits are still helpful.
Having Few Friends Isn’t Automatically a Problem
There is no universal number of friends that everyone needs.
Some people feel perfectly satisfied with two or three close relationships, while others enjoy having a much larger social network. What matters is whether a person’s relationships provide companionship, trust, and mutual support.
Research published in 2026 found that regular contact with friends
