We need to talk because a lot of y'all are lonely.

You're scrolling, hearting, and liking your favorite creators, lurking in your group chats,

but still feeling disconnected.

Let's name it.

Making and keeping friends is harder than ever, even though we're more connected

than any generation before us. It's not just you. It's the times, the trauma, and the tiny

talk that never gets deep. So let's unpack this. I'll break down the psychological, societal, and emotional reasons friendship feels so hard these days.

And then I'll walk you through real strategies to build meaningful connections without the awkward icebreakers or pretending that you love whatever the latest micro-trend is.

Welcome back to savvy psychologist. I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson. Every week on this show,

I'll help you face life challenges with evidence-based approaches, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

Let's start with the facts.

According to a 2021 survey center on American Life Study,

the number of Americans who say they have no close friends

has quadrupled since 1990.

And men in particular, a whopping 15% reported having zero close friends.

For women, it's not quite as dire, but it's still rising.

Why? Because we're in a friendship recession.

One that's being fueled by individualism,

overwork, digital overload, and some good old-fashioned emotional fatigue.

But let's zoom in on the reasons, psychological and societal, that are making this so real.

Number one is you were taught to prioritize productivity over people.

Raise your hand if you feel guilty hanging out with a friend when your to-do list is still

...