[Ocean Swimmer]

It's better for my symptoms to maintain close friends rather than a lot of acquaintances.

[Wild Coyote]

Yes. A few good friends over many acquaintances.

[LadyShadow]

I don't have either. I have my best friend and my family. A few online friends scattered here and there, but mostly everyone is gone. But I would actually prefer a handful of close friends to do things with than a lot of acquaintances.

[Icare dixit]

Yes.

But it's complicated due to my (borderline; neurotic-psychotic) personality, BPD. It's all or nothing, basically. But the close friendships are either less stressful or not at all (if they are similarly more or less borderline crazy). I prefer crazy people and there aren't that many.

I also really like talking to people I just met. It's less complicated/stressful and I'm generally talkative and interested in people and whatever they do really.

[JustJace2u]

I'm very selective in who I consider a friend. I have a few 'friends', most others I just consider acquaintances. Having spent most of my childhood being bullied has made it hard for me to make and keep friends for fear of being rejected.

[Unrigged64072835]

I've lost my friends over the years because I've been agoraphobic. I see them on FB now and I'm not invited to much of anything. I hope that's changing and I can start meeting new people. It's hard with support groups because they're late at night and we have to drive across town to get there.

[Wander]

I used to have heaps of friends and throw parties regularly. As I have grown older (I'm 40) and had to deal with chronic physical and mental illnesses my friendship circle has shrunk significantly. I am ok with this. I have a couple of close friends who I see monthly (ish) and my immediate family who I see weekly. That is enough for me. And of course I have you guys

[fishin fool]

I had friends from my childhood that stayed friends with me right up until
we turned 50 years old when my MI got the best of me once and for all and
the people I thought would be my friends til the end vanished.
I always did prefer a few close friends over many.

[xRavenx]

Yes, a few close friends to me is more important than having a whole bunch of friends. Trust is big for me, and it's too overwhelming to try to keep up with so many people. My one best friend in the whole world passed away almost a year ago, but I do have one friend who texts me all of the time, and we look out for each other, so I'm glad for that. Family does not always understand, but my mom means well....she's actually trying to understand (to a small degree) my mental health condition, whereas before she avoided any talking about that. So that's a start, I suppose.

[Victoria'smom]

I have one IRL friend and you guys. I have my husband and family too but as for friends that's it.

[Theseus]

I have no close friends or casual friends. Hell, I have no friends. With the possible exception of one, who is the closest thing I have to a friend. He was also my boss of 31 years. We met at work 31 years ago. We know each others' families, I watched his daughters grow up, and was invited to their weddings. We don't work together anymore, and now only occasionally text or call. I always knew this would happen.

I know a lot of people, but I wouldn't even call them acquaintances. They are people I work with and people I've done some sort of business with. I've had friends come and go over the years. I find it hard to maintain friendships. I don't socialize with co-workers, even at work events. I avoid holiday parties, luncheons and things of that nature.

[CarriB]

I know a lot of people and have a lot of friends, which is kind of weird for someone with BP. As far as close friends... I have a handful. Those are the people I prefer. Most of the people I know I met through my son (other parents, etc).

[Yours_Truly]

I prefer a few good friends to many acquaintances also. As of now, I'm down to one close friend who lives out of state so we rarely see each other and 3 siblings. That's it. So no friends to do things with or hang with.

[LifeInProgress]

I prefer a few close friends. I have a lot of acquaintances, but they are not close. It is my close friends who really matter.

[Lost_in_the_woods]

I prefer a few close friends as well. I actually only have 3 friends. I consider them to be my family. But my best friend isn't speaking to me...and I am so scared and lost without him.