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Wondering if your friends like you as much as you like them isn't just paranoid thinking according to 

The study shows that only half of the people you consider friends think your relationship is mutual. 

"I think we have an unacknowledged loneliness epidemic," author 

 a psychiatrist and director of the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute at Wellesley. 

Both guests agreed that consistency, communication and relationship evaluation is key.

Nelson said in her experience nearly all people view themselves as the primary giver in their friendships. 

"We want to feel safe. We want to feel known," said Nelson about what we want from a friend.

In order to maintain lasting bonds you need to think about what you require from the relationship, as well as what you're putting into it, she said.

Actually having a conversation with your friend about those feelings is where it gets challenging, Banks added.

"What that puts you in is a position where you might be rejected," Banks said. "And nobody likes that, that puts you in very real physical pain." 

 To listen to the full conversation, click the play button above.

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Only half of the people you consider friends think your relationship is mutual, according to a new study from MIT.

About half of the people you consider friends think your relationship is mutual, according to a new study from MIT.  MPR News with Kerri Miller talked about that disconnect and how to maintain the meaningful friendships you do have with Shasta Nelson, author, and Amy Banks, psychiatrist. 8/16/16

Study: Half of your friends may not actually be your friends

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