It seems that close relationships in America are getting harder to maintain. And, that is a disturbing fact because we desperately need to have good, solid, friendly, supportive relationships. Take a look at this report reviewed in Christianity Today's online version.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/november/30.31.html
Earlier this year, the American Sociological Review published a disturbing study, "Social Isolation in America: Changes in Core Discussion Networks over Two Decades." Researchers Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin, and Matthew E. Brashears reported a "remarkable drop" in the size of people's core network of confidantsthose with whom they could talk about important matters."
As of 2004, the average American had just two close friends, compared with three in 1985. Those reporting no confidants at all jumped from 10 percent to 25 percent. Even the share of Americans reporting a healthy circle of four or five friends had plunged from 33 percent to just over 15 percent.
Increasingly, those whom we consider close friends—if we have any—are household members, not people who "bind us to community and neighborhood." Our wider social connections seem to be shriveling like a turkey left too long in the oven.
"You usually don't expect major features of social life to change very much from year to year or even decade to decade," Smith-Lovin, a sociologist at Duke University, told the news media.
This study shows one of the reasons that, in my view, why Christians who attend churches regularly are healthier mentally and physically. At my favorite congregations I get lots of hugs, smiles, support, prayer and openness to deep conversations. Those are the things that, along with God's grace, bring healing and health.
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