www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, September 1, 2016 | 16 I Having more friends (and kidneys) than can be counted That's Life Andy Juniper Guest Contributor hate half my friends. I know that sounds harsh. And, ah, it isn't really even remotely true. But I just discovered that half of my friends dislike me. So, I'm shocked and stunned (more stunned than usual), and I'm just naturally lashing out. I mean, imagine if you found out that half of your friends truly dislike you. Stop imagining. You just found out. According to a recent study published in the Public Library of Science journal PLOS One, only half of the people in your `friend circle' actually like you. You're probably wonder- ing, how could this be? These people are your peeps, your buddies, your besties, your tribe, your crew. Seriously, you've stayed out late in bars with these people. You've discussed matters of universal importance ("What's up with JoJo on The Bachelorette?", or "How could you not have a man crush on Josh Donaldson?"). You've solved the world's problems. And you've given your thoughtful input into lists in inspired categories: best left-handed drummer ever (Stewart Copeland, obvi). Not only that, you learned their dopey handshakes (trust me when I say, no one really wants to spend time alone in front of a mirror learning how to Bro Hug -- you do it because that's what friends do). Heck, one night you even pointed at them across a noisy, crowded party. They pointed right back at you. And then (there was alcohol involved), you simultaneously gushed: "I love you, man." So, what's going on here? Why is PLOS One asserting half of your friends are not really your friends? Because their research con rms what many behavioral scientists already believed: only about half of `perceived friendships' are mutual, and therefore real. And the reason for this disconnect besee Examining on p.18 SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! PUT ON YOUR FRIDGE! SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! Grand Prize is a round of golf for four at Glen Abbey Golf Course courtesy of Club Link! Approx value You've planned ahead. Now plan beyond. Make CoverMeTM Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance part of your financial plan. It was good financial planning that got you this far. Now, with CoverMeTM Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance, that same sound judgment can ensure that you leave your loved ones with lasting memories and not debt. If you are between the ages of 40 and 75, your acceptance is guaranteed regardless of your health or medical history. Get the coverage you want by speaking to one of our licensed advisors today. They can help answer all your questions and make the application process simple, quick and easy. Call 1-866-923-4068 or visit CoverMe.com/plan $860 Come enjoy complimentary admission to the 15th Annual Oakville Lifestyle Fall Home Show and The 2nd Oakville Healthy Living Show, September 9, 10, 11, 2016 at the Glen Abbey Community Centre, 1415 Third Line just North of the Q.E.W. Come listen to and meet Olympic rower Adam Van Koeverden who has just returned from the Rio Olympics Saturday 2pm · Healthy lifestyle products · Great selection, great quality, great Save Time! Save Money! prices all under one roof · See some amazing options for your kitchen! You'll see sunrooms, roofing, blinds, air conditioners, kitchens, bathrooms, garage doors, countertops, awnings, replacement windows & doors, builders, renovators, cookware, resorts, furniture, painters, flooring, plus much more Show Hours: Friday 3 to 8, Saturday 11 to 5, Sunday 11 to 5 free admission to the home show ~ all 3 days! you will see · hundreds of new products and services for your home · terrific, one time Home Show Specials · lots of prizes & free draws Largest · a great family outing Fall Show · local, reliable companies Ever! FREE Admission All Weekend! FREE Parking Too! Proudly produced by Jenkins Show Productions 1-800-465-1073 OFFICIAL SELECTION LIMITED TIME SHOWING The Royal Cinema, 608 College St., Toronto September 6th, 8th, 9th at 7pm and 9pm. September 11th at 4pm, 7pm and 9pm. MIFF MUSKOKA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada 2016 Plans underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Manulife and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under licence. TM/® Trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. © 2016 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. Special ticket pricing: $6* (incl. HST) @GoFishTheMovie #GoFishTheMovie Available at www.theroyal.to or at the box office. the coping centre *$1 from each ticket will be donated to The Coping Centre, which provides support for those coping with grief.