Topic - Teens Need Just One Friend

Teenagers and their friends.  Parents think their teens need a whole gaggle of friends, but they don’t.  They need just one, just one really close, loyal friend.  That’s it.  Having one good friend improves their mental health through stronger coping skills which enhance motivation and academic success.  At age 25, the lasting effects of this friendship can be seen in higher levels of self-worth and lower levels of social anxiety and depression.  How does this happen?  These high quality friendships create a degree of attachment, trust and support that allow for intimate exchanges.  They occur at a time when identity is taking shape.  The skills and sense of self set the stage for the work, community and romantic relationships in the next chapter of their lives.  It’s not about being popular, it’s about being likeable.