Degrees of closeness among friends can be compared to the rings of a tree—with you in the center.  In your innermost circle, it’s possible to have 2 or 3 very good friends.  The next innermost ring can be a bit larger with maybe 5 or 6 close friends, and the next ring is usually made up of 10-12 friends.  Outside this ring is a ring of 50 or more friends/acquaintances.  So, it’s possible to have many friends, but the degree of closeness depends on which ring the friends fall into.  

 

With making new friends, it can be hard to know who to trust and how much.  Try to be vulnerable only with your closest and, possibly, second-closest ring of friends.  For everyone else, you can be transparent about your feelings without being vulnerable.  Try to keep your expectations of others limited only to your inner most circle of 2 to3 very good friends.  Those expectations can include loyalty and friendship.  For everyone else – enjoy your time when you’re with them, but don’t expect much else in return.  Those expectations are best imposed only on your closest friends. 

 

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