Ava Sinclair
Being a woman with a small circle of friends is like being an island in a sea of social butterflies.
You’ve probably wondered why you have fewer close friends than others.
You’ve likely pondered over countless cups of coffee, or during those sleepless nights, just what sets you apart.
It’s not always a cause for worry, nor is it always a case of being antisocial or unfriendly.
Sometimes it’s just about marching to the beat of your own drum, even if it doesn’t quite match the rhythm around you.
In this article, we’re going to explore eight behaviors that women who have very few close friends tend to exhibit, often without even realizing it.
So, let’s dive in and shed some light on these intriguing behaviors.
1) They enjoy their own company
Let’s start with this one. Women who have very few close friends often find comfort and peace in solitude.
This doesn’t mean they are lonely, far from it.
Instead, they tend to value their own company and the independence it allows.
They’re not afraid to dive into a good book at a coffee shop alone or take a solo trip to a museum.
This could be because they find it easier to recharge and reflect when they’re alone, or simply because they enjoy the freedom to do things at their own pace.
They might not even realize that this behavior is one of the reasons they have fewer close friends.
After all, spending time alone is often seen as an act of self-care rather than an anti-social behavior.
But, whether they realize it or not, their ability to enjoy their own company can sometimes limit their social circle.
2) They are selective about their relationships
Taking it a step further from enjoying their own company, women with fewer close friends are often incredibly selective about who they let into their circles.
It’s not a matter of being snobby or elitist, it’s more about quality over quantity.
They prefer to have a handful of meaningful, deep relationships rather than a wide network of superficial ones.
I recall when I moved to a new city, I met a lot of new people, but only a few truly resonated with me.
Instead of trying to maintain loose ties with everyone, I chose to invest my time and energy into cultivating these few relationships that felt genuine and fulfilling.
This behavior might limit the number of close friends they have, but it ensures that the friendships they do have are meaningful and rewarding.
3) They value depth over surface-level interactions
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
I think this quote holds a particular resonance for women who have few close friends.
These women often seek depth in their interactions, discussing ideas and dreams, rather than engaging in small talk or gossip.
They are drawn towards meaningful conversations that stimulate their minds and challenge their perspectives.
At social functions, you’ll often find them engaged in one-on-one conversations, delving deep into topics, rather than fluttering around the room making polite small talk.
This behavior might not be the easiest way to make a large number of friends, but it certainly leads to more fulfilling relationships with those they do connect with.
4) They are often comfortable with silence
Silence, for some, can be a void waiting to be filled.
But for women who have fewer close friends, it’s often a comfortable companion.
People who are comfortable with silence often exhibit greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence, as silence provides a space for reflection and deeper understanding of oneself and others.
This aligns with insights from The Positive Psychology People, which highlight how embracing silence can foster mindfulness and a stronger connection to our inner world.
They don’t feel the need to fill every moment with chatter and can sit in silence without it being awkward.
This shows in their relationships as well. They are comfortable being with their friends without the constant need for conversation.
They understand that silence can be just as communicative, if not more, than words.
While this might seem off-putting to some, for these women, it’s just a natural part of how they relate to others.
5) They are fiercely loyal
Having a small circle of friends often means that the people within that circle are incredibly important to you.
For women with fewer close friends, this is especially true.
They tend to be fiercely loyal to their friends, standing by them through thick and thin.
Their loyalty isn’t just about being there for the good times, it’s about sticking around when things get tough, offering a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen.
This unwavering loyalty can sometimes be seen as intense or overwhelming to others, but for these women, it’s just their way of showing how much they value their friendships.
6) They crave authenticity
Authenticity is a trait that women with fewer close friends value highly, both in themselves and in others.
They are often the ones who aren’t afraid to be themselves, even if it means going against the grain or standing out from the crowd.
They cherish genuine interactions and relationships that aren’t bound by pretenses or societal norms.
More often than not, they are the ones who shy away from superficial social norms and customs.
They’d rather have a heart-to-heart conversation than exchange pleasantries.
This penchant for authenticity might not win them a large number of friends, but it ensures that the friendships they do have are genuine and sincere.
7) They have a strong sense of self
Having fewer close friends often comes with a strong sense of individuality.
These women know who they are, what they like, and what they don’t.
They’re not easily swayed by popular opinion or peer pressure.
Their strong sense of self often stems from spending a lot of time alone, reflecting on their thoughts and feelings.
They have a clear understanding of their values, beliefs and principles, and they’re not afraid to stand by them, even if it makes them different from others.
8) They are comfortable with vulnerability
Finally, women who have very few close friends are often comfortable with vulnerability.
It’s not always easy to let your guard down and show your true self to others, especially in a world that often values strength and stoicism.
But these women are not afraid to be open and vulnerable with their friends.
They’re comfortable sharing their fears, insecurities, and dreams, even if it means shedding a few tears or showing their raw emotions.
This ability to be vulnerable not only deepens their personal relationships but also helps them connect with others on a more profound level.
Brené Brown, in her renowned TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability, describes vulnerability as the core of meaningful human connection and the birthplace of love and belonging.
While it might not always be comfortable, it’s a key part of forming strong and lasting friendships.
Having fewer friends doesn’t mean being less loved or valued.
It’s about the quality of relationships, not the quantity.
Final thoughts
If you’ve found yourself nodding along with these signs, it’s likely that you’re one of the women with few close friends. And that’s not a bad thing at all.
These behaviors aren’t flaws or shortcomings.
They are simply unique traits that set you apart, shaping your friendships and the way you interact with the world around you.
Having a smaller circle of friends doesn’t make you less social or less likable.
It simply means that you value quality over quantity, depth over surface-level interactions.
You are comfortable in your own skin, secure in your independence, and crave authenticity in relationships.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t expand your social circle if you wish to.
But it’s important to remember that having fewer friends doesn’t take away from your worth or desirability as a friend.
The key to happiness is not having a lot of people around you, but having real people around you.
So as you reflect on these behaviors, remember this: Embrace who you are, cherish the friends you have, and continue being unapologetically yourself.
After all, the most significant relationship we can have is the one with ourselves.
