Love Hurts

Study finds that losing two close friends is the price of love

Thursday, Sep 16, 2010 | Updated 5:00 PM PDT

Getty Images

"People who start a new romantic relationship usually give up two close friends from their inner circle of intimate contacts, a study at Oxford University concludes, in a USA Today report.

"According to British newspaper The Independent, the study finds that most people build up a social network of about 150 friends, family and acquaintances during their lifetime, including about five who belong to their inner circle.

"The study, led by Prof. Robin Dunbar of Oxford, finds that when people are in a romantic relationship, that inner circle drops to four -- and that includes the new person, for a net loss of two."

USA Today's full report can be found online.

Get the latest headlines sent to your inbox!