The Core Ingredient Women Seek in Friendships
A survey of women from their 20s through 70s found that emotional safety was the central need in friendships. Respondents described wanting friends who listen without judgment and offer acceptance rather than quick solutions. The findings suggest friendship needs stay similar across adulthood even as circumstances change.
The article draws on Suzanne Degges-White’s review of hundreds of responses from women in their 20s through 70s about what they need from friends. Support was the most commonly cited need, often described as dependability, encouragement, and presence during hard times rather than problem-solving.
The responses came from an online survey conducted between 2018 and 2023, completed by 108 women. The author notes this was not a scientific sample, so the findings offeran illustrative rather than representative view of women’s friendship priorities.
The findings could resonate with women across age groups who may feel pressured to receive advice rather than validation from friends. By framing emotional safety as a core friendship need, the story may encourage readers to prioritize listening and acceptance in personal relationships. It could also prompt broader conversations about social support and mental well-being, though its nonrepresentative sample means any societal impact would likely be gradual and localized rather than sweeping.