Why Is It Hard for Adults to Make Friends?

In this episode of the Psych Central Show, hosts Gabe Howard and Vincent M. Wales talk about friendship. Specifically, why we find it so much more difficult to make friends as adults than when we were young. Among the points covered was the fact that not everyone has the same definition of “friend.” Also discussed are the various pools of people available to us as friends and the ways in which we meet them. Most pertinent, though, is the major difference in how children and adults tend to determine who is worthy of being a friend. (Hint: kids might have a better grasp on it.)   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [1:25]   What do we really mean by “friends”? [5:15]   Do adults focus on different things when seeking friends? [7:05]   How do we change how we disqualify others as friends? [9:52]   Do we fragment our friendships in our personal lives? [10:51] Friends vs. friendly acquaintances. [12:57] The difference in how adults and kids find “groups.” [16:49] The (unrealistic?) expectations of adults.