Last year, a survey of almost 5,000 women carried out by social network Peanut found that 76% of participants had fewer close friends than a year previously. It doesn’t come as a surprise. Most of us know all too well that, as an adult, it can feel hard to make friends while the cost of living crisis rages on and our schedules feel more hectic than ever. But that doesn’t mean we don’t crave new companionship.

While some of us are lucky enough to carry friends from school into adulthood or work colleagues into real-world mates, other than friendship apps or the old-fashioned platonic meet-cute, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to expanding your circle.

My advice? Look to your ‘bestie-in-law’. 

Some of the loveliest new friendships in my life have blossomed between me and the BFF of my BFF. Think about it like this: if you love spending time with your friend, the person they hang out with the most is likely to be someone you’ll get along with too.

I’ve found it to be a near-failsafe formula. When you first meet someone, that initial intimacy can be hard to foster, but with a bestie-in-law the groundwork is already laid. You not only have a whole person in common, they’re also likely to have similar interests and share your outlook on life.

I now count most of the friends of my friends as part of our wider circle. We have dinners together where laughter and wine flow, and visit shows and exhibitions as one big gaggle of girls. Even my own two best mates have formed the kind of bond that makes my heart double in size. 

We all know that when it comes to adult friendships and maintaining good relationships over the years, it’s a question of quality, not quantity. In fact, the same 2022 research found that most women need just three close friends in their life to feel supported and fulfilled.

But whether you have three best mates or 30, the point remains the same – nothing feels better than knowing you have the best kinds of people around you.

There are plenty of things in my life that I don’t fancy increasing: my overflowing wardrobe, long list of ‘one day’ accomplishments and crippling energy bills for a start. But more amazing souls to love and cherish? I’ll say yes every single time.

Images: Getty