What Are the Secrets to Building Lifelong Friendships? Take the Quiz with insights from TIME’s Friendship Project

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Question 1: Which of the following are important in forming a solid friendship?

□ Speaking the same language 

□ Growing up in the same area

□ Having similar career trajectories

□ Sharing similar interests

□ Having the same sense of humor

Answer

“Every close friend pair may not have every one of these things in common—but the more they share, the stronger their relationship is likely to be.”

— Robin Dunbar, evolutionary psychologist

Question 2: Which of the following are examples of shared rituals that help maintain strong relationships?

□ Regularly sending memes

□ Scheduling monthly phone catchups

□ Taking an annual friend vacation

□ Celebrating birthdays and life events together

□ Marking your friendship anniversary

Answer

According to research:

All are examples of shared rituals that help maintain strong friendships. Whether simple (like sending memes) or more elaborate (like annual vacations or celebrating milestones), are key to keeping friendships strong and “keeping the magic alive”.

— Aminatou Sow, co-author of Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close

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Question 3: How many hours do people typically need to spend together to become “best friends”?

□ 150 hours (6.25 days)

□ 300 hours (12.5 days)

□ 10,000 hours (417 days)

Answer

According to research:

- “Best friendships” do not emerge until after 300 hrs of time spent

- “Good friendships” begin to emerge after 140 hrs

- “Friendships” emerge around 50 hrs, followed by “casual friendships” around 30 hrs

— Jeffrey Hall, director of the Relationships and Technology Lab at the University of Kansas

Adapted from: Time.com “What Makes a Friendship Last Forever?” by Jamie Ducharme