Every one of us has different levels of needs for association, stutterers, and non-stutterers. This changes throughout a person’s life, too. In our youth, we seek out peer groups in the formation of our own personalities. The number of friends though important, is dependent upon our particular level of desire for social involvement. You stated you were lonely. If you label yourself that way, you probably are. The social anxiety of stutterers makes it difficult to feel valued and included. Not everyone is an extrovert, though. I am a fully recovered stutterer, yet I continue to need only a few very close relationships. In my teens and youth, I enjoyed being among a group of my peers, but as I matured, I became more autonomous. You might truly need friends and that's the reason for your question. It's normal in your youth to compare yourself with others. Wanting friends and a peer group is natural, however, there is no prescribed number of friends, and you might be glamorizing the friendships of others. Reach out, even if you’re apprehensive. There will be others who value and accept you. You can remain lonely or actively develop friendships. Never judge yourself as less than normal based on the number of friends. It's their quality and the depth of the relationship that matters. Go out and get ‘em. Sue