Final answer:
The essay supports the position that a key factor for forming close friendships is proximity, meaning physical closeness fosters stronger bonds, but technology challenges the traditional notion of close relationships. Aristotle's philosophy further emphasizes that not all relationships contribute equally to happiness, suggesting a depth-over-quantity view. These perspectives indicate that time, along with the nature of interactions, plays a vital role in forming close friendships.
Step-by-step explanation:
An important idea that supports the essay’s position, which states that people can have enough time to form only a few close friendships, is the concept of proximity as a key factor in forming relationships. As we interact with and have the most contact with people who are physically close to us, it is easier to form friendships with them. Additionally, Aristotelian philosophy regards friendships of utility or pleasure as incidental rather than as contributors to happiness and virtue, which supports the notion that not all relationships are significant enough to be deemed close friendships. Moreover, mental health concerns among students can be indicative of the impact of quality relationships on wellbeing. These ideas collectively affirm that genuine connections extend beyond sheer quantity and are largely influenced by the time and depth of interaction we have with others.
However, in contrast, technology has transformed the way we perceive the concept of ‘friend’, often leading to a much larger circle of acquaintances or contacts that may dilute the traditional notion of a close friendship. This raises the question of whether the time invested in forming relationships translates to their quality, suggesting that friendships are not only limited by time but also by the nature of interactions and the evolving definition of what constitutes a meaningful relationship.