### 1. **Dunbar's Number & Layered Social Circles** Research shows humans naturally organize relationships in nested circles: approximately 3-5 very close relationships, around 10-15 close friends, 30-35 people we interact with frequently, and about 150 total acquaintances we can maintain stable relationships with. These layers progress from 5, through 15 to 50, 150, with deeper relationships requiring more time, effort, attention and emotion. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar's_number) [TamaritPNAS2018](https://www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10.1073/pnas.1719233115) ### 2. **Harvard Grant Study: Relationships as Core to Flourishing** The Harvard Study of Adult Development (now with 85+ years of data) found that close relationships, more than money or fame, keep people happy throughout their lives and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes [Harvard Gazette](https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/). People who were most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were healthiest at age 80 [Harvard Gazette](https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/). The study also found that financial success depends on warmth of relationships, not on intelligence, with those scoring highest on measurements of warm relationships earning significantly more at their peak salaries [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Study). Relationships aren't just about delegation—they're central to our overall success and well-being. Our system should help you _protect_ time for important relationships, not just optimize work productivity. ### 3. **Weak Ties Theory (Granovetter): Career & Opportunities** Stanford sociologist Mark Granovetter's research shows that weak ties (casual connections and loose acquaintances) are more helpful than strong ties in securing employment and accessing novel information outside one's immediate circle [Stanford University](https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2023/07/strength-weak-ties). A recent large-scale LinkedIn study with 20 million people found that moderately weak ties create the most job mobility [Yale Scientific Magazine](https://www.yalescientific.org/2023/05/the-strength-of-weak-ties/). ### 4. **Energy Vampires & Toxic Relationships** Research suggests that while not a clinical term, energy vampires—people who drain others' energy—show similarities with antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic personality disorders, though they may also simply have low self-awareness [Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-for-happiness/202309/strategies-to-deal-with-energy-vampires). Some studies have suggested that negative social interactions may be as powerful or more powerful than positive social support (but the research as discussed in this review is complex - [PubMed Central](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4651456/)). ### 5. **Social Support Theory: Types of Support** There are a number of ways to describe the kinds of support we can get from our contacts and relationships including attachment, social integration, reassurance of worth, reliable alliance, guidance, and opportunity for nurturance . Social support is multidimensional, typically measured as either structural (number of relationships) or functional (informational, instrumental, and emotional), with perceived support having more significant impact on mental health than received support [NCBI](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585650/) [PubMed Central](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10915202/). ## Our research informed structure for relationships ### **1. Inner Circle (3-5 people)** Who are the 3-5 most important people in your life? These are relationships you want to protect at all costs—people who provide deep emotional support and meaning. - **Research basis:** Dunbar's innermost circle + Harvard Grant Study - **What our system will do:** Help you to protect time for these. - **Example:** Spouse/partner, children, closest friend, parents ### **2. Close Friends & Family (10-15 people)** Who are your close friends and family members you regularly spend quality time with? - **Research basis:** Dunbar's second circle + Social support theory - **What our system will do:** Ensure regular contact; suggest activities; identify who to turn to in crisis - **Example:** Siblings, close friends, extended family you're close to ### **3. Growth Network (Mentors, Coaches, Accountability Partners)** Who helps you level up? Mentors, coaches, people who challenge you to grow, accountability partners. - **Research basis:** Social support (guidance provision) + Performance science - **What our system will do:** Suggest reaching out when facing challenges; schedule check-ins - **Example:** Career mentors, fitness buddy, business coach, peer mastermind ### **4. Professional/Collaborative Network** Who do you work with regularly? Direct reports, colleagues, key stakeholders, collaborators. - **Research basis:** Weak ties theory + Work-life integration - **What our system will do:** Delegation suggestions; identify collaboration opportunities - **Example:** Team members, boss, clients, project partners ### **5. Weak Ties & Opportunity Network** Who are your casual connections who might open doors? People in your industry, alumni networks, community connections. - **Research basis:** Granovetter's weak ties theory - **What our system will do:** Remind to maintain loose connections; suggest networking opportunities - **Example:** LinkedIn connections, former colleagues, conference contacts ### **6. Energy-Draining Relationships (Where Boundaries Are Needed)** Are there people in your life who drain your energy or pull you away from your goals? Where do you need stronger boundaries? - **Research basis:** Energy vampire research + Boundary theory - **What our system will do:** Help you to recognize patterns; suggest boundary-setting; flag time sinks - **Example:** Difficult family members, drama-focused friends, demanding people ### **7. Community & Responsibilities** What community commitments and care responsibilities do you have? - **Research basis:** Social support theory + Role theory - **What our system will do:** Help balance commitments; suggest when to say no - **Example:** Aging parents, volunteer work, community leadership, caregiving ## Additional Research-Backed Enhancements ### **Quality Over Quantity Prompts** Research shows it's not the number of friends that matters, but the quality of close relationships—how much vulnerability and depth exists, how safe you feel sharing, and the extent to which you can relax and be seen for who you truly are. (Harvard Study of Adult Development) ### **Frequency & Recency Tracking** When did you last meaningfully connect with this person/group? - Research from the Harvard study suggests taking regular stock of relationships helps people realize where they've neglected connections [Greater Good](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_the_longest_happiness_study_reveals_about_finding_fulfillment) ## The Core Categories for you to think about 1. **Inner Circle (3-5)** - protect at all costs 2. **Close Circle (10-15)** - maintain regularly 3. **Growth Network** - people who help you level up 4. **Work/Collaborative** - delegation and collaboration 5. **Boundaries Needed** - energy management 6. **Community/Responsibilities** - commitments to manage **Key principle from research:** Social fitness requires taking stock of relationships and being honest about where we're devoting our time and whether we are tending to the connections that help us thrive (Harvard Study of Adult Development). It's not a one time thing, it's an ongoing practice that will nourish and sustain you.