We have most friends at the age of 26 after having spent the first quarter of our lives building up our friendship circle, new research has claimed.
The research into friendship shows that our social circle peaks at 26 years and 7 months, at which we typically have five close friends. Women are most popular at 25 years and 10 months, with men hitting the highest friendship point a little later at 27 years and 3 months.
The research, by Forever Friends, shows that about a third of adults meet their closest friends while at school，with about a fifth saying they meet them at work.
Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter now also play a major role in building new friendship. The research points out that 25 to 34yearolds make 22 friends via Facebook, compared to 18 to 24yearolds who make 12, and 35 to 44yearolds who make just four.
Forever Friends' relationship coach Sam Owen says, "It is no coincidence that over a third of us meet our best friends at school. It is a key time in our lives when friendship is growing through sharing notes，giving gifts, seeing each other regularly and laughing a lot. As adults we can often forget how powerful these small things are and how the little things can make a difference."
Later in life we find ourselves losing friends. Over half of us lose friendship through moving, while 36% say that over time they grow apart from close pals. Having children also causes 19% to drift away from childhood friends.
With growing pressure being put on friendship these days, it's important to make time for our friendship.
