We have most friends at the age of 26 after having spent the first quarter of our lives building up our friendship circle, a new research has claimed.

    The research into friendship shows that our social circle peaks at 26 years and 7 months, at which we typically have five close friends.  Women are most popular at 25 years and 10 months, with men hitting the highest friendship point a little later at 27 years and 3 months.

    The research, by Forever Friends, shows that about a third of adults meet their closest friends when at school, with about a fifth saying they meet them at work.

    Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter now also play a major role in building new friendship. The research points out that 25 to 34-year-olds make 22 friends via Facebook, compared to 18 to 24-year-olds who make 12, and 35 to 44-year-olds who make just 4.

    Forever Friends' relationship coach Sam Owen says, “It is no coincidence that over a third of us meet our best friends at school.  It is a key time in our lives when friendship is growing through sharing notes, giving gifts, seeing each other regularly and laughing a lot.  As adults we can often forget how powerful these small things are and how the little things can make a difference. ”

    Later in life we find ourselves losing friends. Over half of us lose friendship through moving, while 36% say that over time they grow apart from close pals. Having children also causes 19% todrift away fromchildhood friends.  

    With growing pressures being put on friendship these days, it's important to make time for our friendship.