Released on: September 16, 2008, 5:24 am

Press Release Author: Ali Shah

Industry: Retail

Press Release Summary: The key to a perfect friendship is simply a matter of maths –
according to the results of a new survey launched today by Forever Friends, known
for its original cute bears. The new website proves it as it provides Forever
Friends enthusiasts with everything they need to know about the loveable teddy bear,
plus free mobile downloads, free e cards, free wallpapers, animations, fun and games
and the chance to enter unique competitions.

Press Release Body: The research of 1,000 people, carried out by Forever Friends to
celebrate 21 years of friendship, discovered that when it comes to creating the
perfect group of friends, there are a number of key factors that stand out above all
else including best friends, wider circle of friends, characteristics, opposite sex,
contact and history.

So, as the school year gets into full swing, the new findings have been used to
create a winning formula to help illustrate what makes up the perfect friendship,
ideal for making sure you have the best circle of friends this term and forever.

Broken down, the key to a Perfect Friendship is based on the relationship between:
• The perfect number of close friends, ideally n ≤ 4 (ideal number of close
friends is up to four), where
• Close friends ideally should be made up of one part Trustworthiness, one part
Loyalty and one part sense of Humour, so CF=T+L+H, carefully considered with
• The frequency of contact with your close friends (ideal is two to three times a
week) alongside
• The wider circle of friends, w ≤ 20, (ideal number of close friends is up to
20) and
• The percentage of friends that are of the opposite sex, ideally p=25 (friendship
group should be made up of 25% of the opposite sex)

Relationships expert Jenni Trent Hughes commented, “If water and air can have
formulas then why can’t friendships? These statistics paint a very accurate picture
indeed of what we are looking for in a friend. But once we find this perfect group
of friends we need to keep them.”

Forever Friend’s very own Friendship Expert, Jennifer Dixon commented, “Social
networking sites now form a part of everyday life with emphasis on the quantity of
friends rather than the quality. We have devised the friendship formula following
extensive research which highlights the perfect number of close friends is actually
four, with up to 20 in your wider circle…so you don’t have to accept everyone as
your friend on Facebook now!”

“It appears that the secret to a perfect friendship is plenty of contact, with most
people getting in touch with friends two to three times a week, which can prove
difficult if your circle is too large – a birthday card (55% agree), regular phone
calls (30% agree) and texts (10% agree) are all important in a happy friendship.”

On the other end of the spectrum, the research also revealed that the most
unforgivable thing a best friend could do would be to steal a boyfriend or
girlfriend, with (37%) stating this as unforgivable, followed by lying (27%) and
stealing (one in five), however one in ten tolerant people out there think that
there is nothing you wouldn’t forgive your friend for!

On a celeb note, when it comes to our ideal celebrity best friends, loudmouth DJ
Chris Moyles topped the poll for the boys (28%) while Jennifer Aniston (34%) proved
she really is the perfect ‘Friend’ after beating pop princess Kylie Minogue (33%),
comedy queen Catherine Tate (25%) and style icon Sienna Miller (6%) for the girls’
top spot.

Coming out bottom in the popularity stakes, was PM Gordon Brown with only 6% of
respondents choosing him as their ideal best friend. For the girls, Victoria Beckham
came last with only 3%.

Unsurprisingly the celebs we rated to have the perfect friendship were Ant and Dec
who topped the poll according to 57% of respondents.

If you still need more help, here are the top tips for having the perfect friendship
by Jenni Trent Hughes:
1. Learn to keep a best friend that you can confide in
2. Listen to what they have to say
3. Do unto them, as you would have them do unto you
4. Share the tears as well as the laughter
5. Never be too proud to say ‘I’m sorry’

For more information about Forever Friends; to send ecards, download cute free
wallpapers, funny games, gift ideas, screensavers and much much more visit
www.foreverfriends.co.uk
-Ends-

Press enquiries:
For more press information or images, please contact Tori, Louise or Janine at Lucre
T: 0113 243 1117 or email Janine@lucrecommunications.com;
tori@lucrecommunications.com; louise@lucrecommunications.com

Notes to Editor:
Forever Friends
The very first Forever Friends bear was initially lovingly created by Bath artist,
Deborah Jones back in 1987; this quickly grew to become one of the most successful
greeting card concepts. The popularity of the Forever Friends bear has been
overwhelming and now features on a range of other products from clothing, jewellery,
mugs, cuddly toys and much much more!
This September Hallmark’s Forever Friends bear blows out the candles to celebrate 21
years of bringing friendship, hugs, kisses and best wishes to people around the
world.

Jenni Trent Hughes
Jenni Trent Hughes is a life coach, relationships expert and agony aunt well known
for her television appearances and writing.

Mathematical Formula
The visual representation of the formula was devised by Roger Bird, Senior
Mathematical Consultant, Education Bradford.


Web Site: http://www.foreverfriends.co.uk

Contact Details: Summit Media
Wolds
Brough
East Yorkshire
HU15 2JZ
01430425807
ali.shah@summitmedia.com