An American study of behavioral trends has revealed a marked decline in close friendships among people. The Times stated, "The average circle of close friends or confidants has shrunk over 20 years and many people now turn only to family members to discuss their most intimate concerns."

The reasons for this phenomenon may well be related to such things as working more (some holding down two jobs to make ends meet), overuse of TV and the Internet, and the general decline of morals in society as a whole.

Close friendships and trustworthy confidants are very important to our lives both spiritually and psychologically. Our youth magazine, Vertical Thought (www.verticalthought.org), is publishing a special issue (October-December) on the importance of friendships and how to cultivate them. (Source: The Times.)