People only want to see their friends this many times a month

People may come and go, but friends are forever.

More than half of Americans want to see their friends at least four times a month (57%), according to a new poll, and a large majority call their pals better than therapy.

The study, conducted by OnePoll for Chinet, found that about a third of those surveyed (31%) revealed that they don’t get to see their loved ones as often as they’d want to, with 70% wishing they could spend more time with them.

The poll, which surveyed 2,000 adults to determine what elements make a fun party, also found that three out of four people (74%) believe that having a good time with friends is just as healing as a therapy session. Two-thirds of respondents felt less stressed when they hang out with the ones they love.

On average, people hang out with three friends at a time but 24% plan for more guests in a group, the poll found.

While having a good time doesn’t necessarily mean having a night out on the town, 45% of adults are happy to stay in, with 42% opting to play games, do DIY activities (38%) or catch up on TV shows/movies (36%).

The research also indicated the types of topics people like to talk about when catching up with friends. Fifty-two percent spend time gossiping about life and 57% end up having intelligent conversations.

Other themes that arise during convos include memories (39%), major life changes (37%) and TV shows/movies (36%).

One in seven persons said they’re usually the one to host a gathering at their home for an average of four hours. Ninety percent of poll-takers love to stay indoors as they have more fun since there is no time limit.

“We all have such busy schedules, it’s really important to make time for our friends and loved ones,” Alexis Guetzlaff, senior product and brand manager for the Chinet® brand said in the research. “We want to encourage everyone to carve out a little time for gathering.”

“We feel strongly that hosting shouldn’t be overwhelming— we’re all about simplifying it and minimizing clean up so everyone can spend more time with the ones that matter most,” Guetzlaff added.

About 69% noted that they have become accustomed to hosting bashes and 55% claim it’s hard to host parties due to the pressure to get the event right. Other responders admitted they have forgotten, at times, to buy refreshments (29%), disposable cups (29%) and plates (28%) before hosting.

Despite stocking up beforehand for the parties, 35% of people have said they’ve run out of disposable cups and ice (32%) during their soirée.

The average price tag for a gathering can cost up to $152 to host, however, 37% admitted they end up spending much more on essentials, like soft drinks (43%), disposable plates (39%) and ice (38%).

“We all have such busy schedules, it’s really important to make time for our friends and loved ones,” said Alexis Guetzlaff, senior product and brand manager for the Chinet brand. “We feel strongly that hosting shouldn’t be overwhelming— we’re all about simplifying it and minimizing clean-up so everyone can spend more time with the ones that matter most.”