30 years ago, 33% of Americans said they had ten or more close friends not counting relatives.

Today it’s 13%.

In 1990, 75% said they had a best friend.

Now, just 59%.

People want fewer but better friends and at the same time are more isolated in spite of their digital and social media connectivity.

My take is that looking for friends or expanding your group is a waste of time.

More important, spend that time becoming the person you want to be and when the right next friend comes along it will be a meaningful connection.

The number of Facebook friends are meaningless, the number of “likes” in social media misleading and constant contact does not a friend make.

The best way to make meaningful friends is to become a better friend to yourself.

Here are more findings I thought you would like on The state of American Friendship.