The Loss of Love, Couples have Fewer Friends than Single People

Experts warn that lovers should be careful not to disrespect his own individuality

You reduce your number of friends in the name of a new love? The question may sound cruel, but have to give people coming to live in a romantic relationship is virtually inevitable. It is concluded that research from the University of Oxford, UK, published in the specialized journal Journal of Personal Relationships. According to the survey, committed people are, on average, two close friends unless the unmarried.

The math is an unusual result, scientists say, the combination of two factors: lack of time for friends and loving commitment caused by the difficulty that human beings have to maintain close relationships with many individuals - according to the survey, that number is never greater than five. As people have already committed a partner, have room for only four close friends. But to devote himself to his partner, most enthusiasts can only keep three faithful companions whom they can turn in times of crisis and vent.

The study evaluated the affective relations of 540 people - 428 women and 112 men - of which 368 remained loving relationships. One surprise is the analysis indicated that the results were similar for both sexes. Both men and women lose friends in the same way when starting a new relationship.

- It was a surprise to us; we did not expect this score - revealed the director of the Institute of Anthropology and Cognitive Revolutionary University of Oxford, Robin Dunbar, the British newspaper The Guardian.

While agreeing with the British study, graduate student Sheila Noal, 23 years, married for about three months, believes the most important friendships can be maintained.

- I inevitably get away a little, have less time to leave. But I believe that this does not justify the end of a friendship - he opines.

For her, even without living so close ties are maintained.

- Whether they go out together or go to the same places, the feeling persists, consideration is the same, and that's what matters - says.

She says, however, charges that have suffered from other people since it began the relationship after 11 months resulted in marriage.

- There are always those people who complain, who say I disappeared, it never came. But I think friendship is just that. People have to understand and respect the fact that we are no longer available all the time - looks. - Same with me when I was single, I realized that some friends moved away, but I think it is completely normal.

For philosopher Institute of New Acropolis Melissa Andrade, the situation described by Robert is very common.

- We live in a period of very shallow relationships. Just as life is dynamic, relationships are also, so it's normal to walk away from some people - account. - However, the friendship that really matters is not related to coexistence. These are the cases of those who remain friends for years and years away, and when they meet, never seem to split up - explains.