In the same place at the same time
Scientists at Leipzig University have discovered that The most important reason why we form a relationship with a person is quite banal - they just happen to be near us. For example, they sit next to us on the train, move into the apartment next door or attend the same Nordic walking class. Whether it's coincidence or fate - everyone can decide for themselves.
Friendship and psychology: the same and the same?
No, like and like don't have to go together. When it comes to female friendships, psychology tells us that our best friends are usually not all that similar. And that's a good thing. Because two mental twins quickly get bored of each other. A different character, on the other hand, shows us a different side to the world. What we often have in common, however, is our level of education, age and income. That's not surprising, because it's similarities like these that make it possible to meet in the first place.
The reunion is a pleasure
Whether we really become friends with someone also depends on how often they cross our path. Casual acquaintances become more likeable the more often we see them. The reason, according to friendship psychology: the brain perceives familiarity as rewarding - and this triggers good feelings in us. The exception: If we don't like a person from the start, it doesn't even help to see them every day.
In search of affirmation
In general, we feel particularly comfortable with people who support, value and respect us. The reason for this is our constant need for security and self-affirmation. We also like to seek this from men - although there is a separate psychology to the friendship between men and women. As Billy Crystal said in the movie "Harry & Sally": "Men and women can never be just friends. Sex always comes between them." He may be right. Because there are actually various studies that confirm this.
We choose differently with age
It is quite normal to have more friends when we are young. We are unattached, looking for orientation and have more free time. When the first children arrive, we like to spend our time with other mothers. Old friendships may fade, but new ones are formed. The older we get, the less psychology plays a role in a friendship: it is more important to us that our friend is not just a likeable companion, but a real ally. Pursuing hobbies together, having good conversations, going on vacation together... At 50 plus, we no longer waste our time with nice acquaintances, but increasingly devote ourselves to the people we really care about.