Friendship theories

Just a thought and questions for y'all.

I'm wondering, did you have a best friend growing up? One that you couldn't be without? Were you always playing with other kids when you were elementary school age or did you have plenty of time on your own? Were you bored when you were alone, or did you have fun by yourself? If you were the "loner", how do you find friendships now as an adult? Are you like me, fairly comfortable with people and equally comfortable alone? Do you feel you missed out as a kid and now are unsure of how to relate to others? If you were the "best friend-never alone" type, how are you now? Are you unhappy or uncomfortable alone? Do you still find it easy to have lots of friends, or do you find yourself a bit insecure in friendships and making friends?

Okay, that's a lot of questions. The sociologist in me is coming out. Did you know that I was a sociology major in college in addition to education? I loved research studies. This seems like one to me.

At any rate, my theory--as I seek to raise my own kids--is that kids benefit from time apart from friends. That too much time with peers at a young age can squash the opportunities to grow and develop their own interests and become comfortable with who THEY are. That in the long run, they will experience more joy in relationships because they are not dependent on others to be happy or have a good time. Not to say that children should be isolated, but rather that the balance between time with playmates and time on their own is important. Has that been your experience? What you you think about my theory?

Love ya.
Dawn