These behaviors common to people who don’t have close friends
Close friends aren’t just about having a good time. They are beneficial for our mental and physical health. Some studies show that prolonged loneliness can have effects as harmful as smoking several cigarettes a day. An article from Flashlight explains that the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem by reducing social interactions, leading to a significant decline in friendships.
According to Swiss psychologist Thomas Spielmann, dependence on the virtual world greatly harms our ability to understand and express our emotions. It also creates obstacles to personal relationships. Social isolation can be unconscious, but has real consequences on our ability to make friends This is why it is imperative to become aware of our own behaviors.
Avoidance of social interactions
People without close friends often avoid social events, preferring solitude.
This behavior limits opportunities to create lasting relationships and can become a vicious cycle where isolation reinforces the inability to socialize.
Excessive independence
Independence is generally a good quality, but when it prevents you from asking for help or expressing your emotions, it becomes a barrier to relationships.
Those who are too self-sufficient may appear to not need others, thus discouraging attempts at friendship.
Difficulty holding a conversation
Some people have difficulty maintaining balanced conversations. They can either monopolize the floor or be too reserved, making discussions frustrating for others.
Learning to actively listen and participate appropriately is crucial to building friendships.
Emotional expression
Difficulty expressing or understanding emotions is another common behavior. Emotional unavailability complicates social interactions and can create emotional distance from others.
Working on empathy and recognizing emotions can help overcome this barrier.
Fear of rejection
Fear of rejection often inhibits social engagement. Those who fear rejection may avoid opening up to others or responding positively to invitations.
They therefore miss opportunities to build relationships.
Difficulty trusting
Distrust of others is a major obstacle to forming friendships. Fear of betrayal or disappointment can prevent you from forming deep relationships.
Learning to trust gradually is essential for developing sincere friendships.
Limited self-knowledge
Not understanding how one’s behavior affects others is a hindrance. Poor self-awareness does not help us adjust our behavior to that of others. Thus, it is difficult to improve our social interactions.
Developing better self-knowledge then allows you to understand and modify harmful behaviors.
Resistance to change
People resistant to change may limit their social interactions by refusing to break out of their routines. Embracing change and being open to new experiences are crucial to meeting new people and developing friendships.
Not having close friends is not inevitable. By becoming aware of our behaviors and working to change them, it is possible to develop deeper and more enriching friendships. Solitude can offer moments of personal reflection, but human relationships remain essential for a fulfilling life.