Why adult friendships shrink and how to maintain the few that survive

The thinning of adult friendships is not merely a cynical by-product of ageing, but a documented sociological shift (Photo: iStock)

The social circle of early adulthood often feels like a frenzy, filled with the high energy of university peers, colleagues, and "friends of friends." However, as the years pass, that energy inevitably fizzles out.

The thinning of adult friendships is not merely a cynical by-product of ageing, but a documented sociological shift. This contraction, coupled with the growing imbalance of effort between friends, creates a unique modern strain that can lead to the silent end of even long-standing bonds.