Friends and family network

Singles stay in close touch with their parents, siblings, friends and contacts they know well. The majority of singles form groups of friends who often meet each other to share their successes and failures and celebrate various events together. Additionally, the respondents emphasized that their bonds with family are not only based on love, but also on friendship. Friendship is a unique form of relationship with other people that cannot be imposed, nor proposed, therefore it does not suit any normative definitions. Friendships are based on having similar likes, attitudes, opinions and beliefs. It is a free and spontaneous choice, and the least “programmed” and role-defined relationship among people. Friendship is perceived individually, and the emotional involvement of friends is its most important factor [Niebrzydowski, Płaszczyński 1989].

Relationships with parents and siblings are very important for the majority of the singles, sometimes even the most important ones. The respondents often described their bonds with their family as very strong, and some family members were considered best friends: “I get on very well with my parents and my sister, they are still the most important people to me” [Eve, 30]; “I have my family and it's amazing, we stick together and always help each other” [Jacob, 34]; “Relationships in my family are very close” [Jack, 34]; “I get on really well with my family, we're really close” [Sam, 27]; “I'm close to my parents. We're like partners and friends” [Patrick, 35].