Friends change our world; they can make a big difference between a gloomy day and a bright one. They not only change your mind and inspire you, but they double the good times and halve the bad times, enabling you to enjoy life a bit more. 

Particularly for girls and women, it’s a given that they must have a big group of friends. After all, from a very early age on, girls tend to worship the idea of a big group of friends; it’s even showcased in popular TV programs like Mean Girls and Friends.

So, why is there so much hype about having a big group of friends? The idea stems from the notion that the bigger your group of friends, the more popular you are, which is often an unrealistic attitude portrayed on social media and TV.

Nevertheless, have you ever wondered what impact having a small group of friends would have on you? There are several advantages to prioritizing quality over quantity in friendships. Here are a few.

Allows you to Invest in Yourself

A small group of friends gives you more time to invest in yourself. Just think about the impact having a big group of friends might have on you; you might barely have time to focus on yourself when day in and day out you are talking to a friend on the phone or eating out. No matter your age, you need to make time for yourself, which involves much more than just focusing on your beauty regimen or sleep. It also involves larger issues in life, such as mental health and stability, maintaining a romantic relationship, and finding a suitable job that meets your career expectations. You will notice that when you invest more time in yourself with a smaller group of friends, you learn new things about yourself that you might have neglected for years. 

Allows you to Be More Attentive

Being there for a loved one when they need it most can make a big difference in life. If you have a large group of friends, spreading yourself thin across a large group makes it hard to be there for everyone when they need you most. Moreover, it becomes more challenging to have deep, meaningful conversations, rather than just sharing what you both ate for dinner. Prioritizing quality over quantity in friendships allows you to cultivate deep, meaningful relationships that could last a lifetime. 

Conflicts are Easier to Handle

If you have a worthwhile issue to discuss, having such a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend is much easier in a small group rather than in a larger one. If you have ever been in a real-time argument with multiple friends, you know firsthand that it isn’t fun; it feels more like being in a reality TV show. After all, you are going to have competing interests. On the other hand, discussing an issue of concern with a single friend allows you to delve deeper into a meaningful conversation with minimal damage. 

Offers a Return on your Investment

Have you ever wondered why you have friends? Undoubtedly, you want the friendship to grow and, most importantly, last. If you think about it realistically, you are not going to have friendships that last for a lifetime with a larger group. After all, circumstances change in life, and so do people. Very few platonic friendships last for a lifetime. When you have one or two friends that you invest your time and energy with, you are likely going to experience some of the most beautiful connections that you might ever think of. And that’s more than simply a friend sending you a note when you are sick at the hospital. They could, in effect, book a flight from another country to visit you or see you in person. That’s the kind of bond that you can have, one that lasts more than a few years. In essence, it is the root of genuine friendship, one that is intentional, patient, and thoughtful. 

So, there you have it; having a small group of friends leads to deeper trust, more personal connections, and opportunities for personal growth. The next time you see a big group of friends on TV, know firsthand that it’s superficial and unrealistic. Prioritize quality over quantity, you won’t regret it.

David Messiha | Staff Writer