Women who find it hard to form close friendships usually have these 7 traits, according to psychology

Ever wonder why some women seem to effortlessly form close, lasting friendships, while others struggle to connect on a deeper level?
If you’ve ever felt like meaningful relationships are just out of reach, you’re not alone. Building close friendships isn’t always easy, and sometimes, it has less to do with others and more to do with certain traits we carry.
It’s not about blame—it’s about awareness. Understanding the habits and tendencies that might be holding you back is the first step to fostering stronger connections.
So, let’s dive into the seven traits that could be making close friendships feel harder than they need to be. You might recognize a few in yourself or someone you know.
1. Extreme independence
Women who find it hard to form close friendships might exhibit an extreme level of independence.
This trait doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It often stems from past experiences that have led these women to believe they can only rely on themselves.
This mindset can make it difficult for them to open up and depend on others, which is crucial in forming deep, meaningful friendships.
Unfortunately, this extreme independence can be confusing and frustrating for potential friends. People might perceive you as distant or unapproachable, even though you may not intend to give off that vibe.
Understanding this trait doesn’t mean you have to change who you are. Instead, it can help you navigate social situations better and find a balance between independence and connection.
2. Highly empathetic and sensitive
Interestingly, women who struggle to form close friendships often have a high level of empathy. They feel other people’s emotions intensely and deeply understand their perspectives. This may seem like a positive trait for building connections, right?
Here’s the catch: Too much empathy can inadvertently lead to emotional exhaustion. These women may find themselves taking on others’ feelings and problems to such an extent that it becomes overwhelming.
This can make them pull back from relationships to protect themselves, thus making it harder to form close friendships.
Moreover, this heightened sensitivity can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. They may perceive criticism where there isn’t any or misinterpret casual comments as personal attacks, leading to unnecessary conflict.
So while empathy is generally a valuable trait, in excess, it can ironically hinder the formation of close friendships. Awareness of this trait can help in managing emotional boundaries and nurturing healthier relationships.
3. Emotionally unavailable
On the flip side, the struggle to make close friends could be due to emotional unavailability.
Emotional unavailability can act like a wall between you and others, making it hard to form meaningful connections. When someone is emotionally unavailable, they often keep their feelings at arm’s length, whether intentionally or not.
This can make others feel like they’re only scratching the surface of who you are, even if they want to get closer.
You might think you’re protecting yourself from getting hurt, but in reality, it creates distance.
Friends might start to feel like they’re doing all the emotional work in the relationship, which can lead to frustration or even pulling away altogether. Close friendships thrive on mutual openness, and without it, bonds can remain superficial.
If this resonates, start small. Practice sharing your thoughts and feelings, even if it feels vulnerable at first. It doesn’t have to be something major—a simple “I’ve been feeling stressed lately” can open the door to deeper conversations.
Over time, these moments of emotional honesty can build trust and create the space for genuine, lasting friendships.
4. Fear of rejection
Next on our list is the fear of rejection. This is a common trait among women who find it difficult to form close friendships.
They might hold back from expressing their true thoughts or feelings, worried that others might not accept or understand them.
This fear often stems from past experiences where their trust has been broken or they’ve felt betrayed.
As a result, they may develop a defensive mechanism, avoiding close connections to protect themselves from potential hurt.
However, avoidance can lead to loneliness. It’s a well-known fact that humans are social creatures by nature – we thrive on connection and belonging.
By letting fear of rejection hold them back, these women may unintentionally sabotage their chances of forming meaningful friendships.
5. Perfectionism
Perfectionism is another trait found in women who struggle with forming close relationships.
It’s hard to let people in when you’re constantly striving for flawlessness, not just in yourself, but also in others. You may worry that your flaws, once seen, will make people leave, or that their flaws will disappoint you.
But here’s the thing: it’s our imperfections that make us human. They make us relatable, approachable and authentic.
Friendships aren’t about finding the perfect person, but about finding a person who accepts and loves you for who you are, imperfections and all.
Being compassionate with yourself and others can open doors to friendships that are real, raw and deeply satisfying. You’re deserving of love and friendship, just as you are.
6. Overthinking
We’ve all been there – replaying a conversation in our heads, scrutinizing every word and gesture, wondering if we said or did something wrong.
For some women, this overthinking can become a persistent habit, making it hard to form close friendships.
Overthinkers often dwell on negative thoughts or possibilities, which can create unnecessary anxiety and stress.
For example, you might interpret a friend’s casual comment as a hidden insult or mistake their busy schedule for disinterest in your friendship.
The truth is, most of the time, these worries exist only in our heads. People are often too caught up in their own lives to analyze every little detail of ours.
By recognizing and managing this tendency to overthink, you can ease your anxieties and build stronger, more relaxed connections with others.
7. Lack of self-awareness
Finally, a lack of self-awareness can be a significant barrier to forming close friendships.
If you’re constantly blaming others for the lack of closeness in your relationships or denying any responsibility, it may be time to take a hard look in the mirror.
Relationships are always a two-way street. If multiple friendships aren’t working out, it’s essential to consider the common factor: you.
This isn’t about blaming yourself, but about understanding your role in these interactions.
Being aware of your behaviors, reactions, and feelings is key to personal growth and developing stronger relationships. It can be uncomfortable to confront these truths, but doing so can lead to meaningful change and better friendships.
Becoming more self-aware is a journey that requires honesty, patience, and courage. But it’s a journey worth taking for the potential rewards it can bring to your social life.
Wrapping up
The most important thing to remember is that these traits don’t define you, nor do they seal your fate when it comes to forming close friendships. They’re simply patterns you might recognize in yourself.
Understanding these patterns can empower you to make changes if you choose to. It’s about recognizing where you might be holding yourself back and finding ways to navigate through it.
Forming close friendships isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely possible and worth the effort. Keep going, keep growing, and trust in your ability to build the friendships you desire.