Friendship is a cornerstone of human life, providing emotional and practical support that promotes well-being. However, not all friendships have the same appeal. A recent study in evolutionary psychology identifies seven key strategies that people use to develop and strengthen bonds with the friends they value most. These insights shed light on how people proactively strengthen their relationships for deeper connections and mutual growth. (Also read: 10 reasons to give someone a chance, according to a relationship coach )
Seven ways to build friendships between people
Menelaos Apostalou and his team highlighted a gap in friendship research that primarily studied how relationships are maintained, rather than the active strategies used to strengthen them. Using an evolutionary framework, the researchers hypothesized that these strategies likely revolve around demonstrating support and trust, which are important factors in cultivating deeper and more meaningful relationships.
The research revealed seven key strategies people use to strengthen friendships: offering support, increasing engagement, maintaining regular communication, giving gifts, building trust, strengthening family ties, and expressing agreement. Of these, providing support was most commonly reported, emphasizing people’s willingness to help friends emotionally, financially, or practically during difficult times. Planning activities together and maintaining frequent contact, such as through calls or messages, were also important strategies.
Gender, age, and personality influence friendship strategies
The obtained data revealed noteworthy differences in the use of friendship-enhancing strategies depending on gender, age, and personality characteristics. Women were significantly more likely than men to use all seven strategies, showing a greater propensity for relational nurturing. Younger participants showed a marked preference for strategies that emphasized building trust and developing engagement.
Personality traits also played an important role; individuals higher in Agreeableness were more likely to adopt support-oriented strategies, whereas individuals high in Openness tended to use a wider range of approaches, reflecting a more versatile approach to strengthening friendships.
However, the study had limitations. Self-reported intentions may not accurately reflect real-life behavior, and the focus on a Greek-speaking population may limit the broader applicability of the findings.
