Are any of the Mane 6 unable/forbidden to make any more friends?

[Mars Caramel 319]

I recently thought about this; the Mane 6 are supposed to be closest friends, right? However, they only seem to be limited to each other when it comes to friendship, and is it because they have no choice?

 

The type of relationship we have seen between the Mane 6 (something like where they ask what they're doing, join in, and have adventures together) seems like we have only seen it come from between the Mane 6. I don't exactly recall this relationship being witnessed between a single member and another character outside the group. Could it be that it's for the greater good? Possibly the only reason they had to become friends in the first place was to protect Equestria from Nightmare Moon, Discord and Sunset Shimmer. Plus, since there are only 6 elements of harmony, so should be the number of ponies who represent each of those elements. Does that mean that it would make it impossible or forbidden for one of the ponies to build close relationships outside of the group without losing control of the elements, especially after each villain's attempt to take control of the land? Would the elements just shatter if this ever happened? Would a 7th element be formed? Would the elements abandon them to find another group?

 

This is just something I recently thought about. Does anyone else have a take on this?

 

Edit:

 

Just a little something I probably should mention. What if they are able to make friends, but not build a relationship as close as their relationships toward the Mane 6? I tried to say that in the OP, but I admit my wording wasn't very good.

Edited October 4, 2013 by Mars Brownie

[Jadefire 2,798]

I don't think the Elements would be affected, and in fact it sounded to me like the Mane Six are encouraged to make as many friends as possible. The elements are embodied by the ponies who represent them, so I do think they'll be affected if the relationship between the Mane Six change, but I don't think they'll be affected if they gain new friends.

[Emperor Posh 360]

In a sense they are friends with most ponies that have shown on the show. It's not that they are limited, they are the main 6 characters in the show so the focus is really going to be on them. Atleast that's how I see it anyways. Also if you look at Cadance and Twilight they are relatively close.

[Wingnut 7,005]

I don't think the Mane 6 are somehow prevented from becoming close friends from others.  But they need to be careful so that the relationship needed to use the elements of harmony isn't thrown out of whack. 

 

In summary, they need to choose friends who will strengthen the bonds of the Mane 6, not weaken them. 

[Infinity 103]

It's heavily implied that Pinkie is friends with everyone, there was even a whole episode dedicated to her trying and successfully befriending Cranky. Not to mention Fluttershy and Discord, and the fact that Rainbow was close friends with Gilda and continued to be during the episode, only stopping once she saw Gilda be cruel. I don't think they're forbidden nor unable at all, as surely that would go against the whole point of the show.

 

"Friendship is magic, but only if you befriend 5 people, no more, no less!"

Edited October 3, 2013 by Infinity

[Malinter 3,064]

I don't see why they can't make more friends as it wouldn't effect there roles as element bearers. Then again we're not quite sure how the elements work. Celestia says he can't use them because of her and Luna not being in sync with each other quite like they were before and yet she was welding all 6 against her when she banished her away. You could say that some small part of Luna with Nightmare Moon allowed the elements to function long enough for that to work.

 

Also pretty sure more that 6 elements exist. Love seems to be an element that can literally attract and repel beings like chrysalis, hell it even turned Sombra to dust. Maybe the crystal empire or other pony societies had access to other elements that have been lost. 

Edited October 3, 2013 by Greenfield

[Rough Pathway 157]

They can become friends with other ponies if they want to. For example, Rainbow Dash was friends with Lightning Dust for a small amount of time in Wonderbolts Academy. I don't think they need anymore friends which is the reason why we haven't seen them really become friends with other ponies. They aren't forbidden or anything like that. That just goes against what the show teaches.

 

As for how that affects the elements of harmony? I'm not sure. I think its possible that if one of them became close friends with someone outside the group that there could be a 7th element although its highly unlikely. I don't think it would destroy the friendship with the mane six. We got a glimpse of what it would be like in the episode, "Griffon the Brush Off". Gilda was a jerk, but if she was nice then Pinkie would've probably became her friend too and eventually the rest of the mane six. Thats what I think, anyway.

Edited October 3, 2013 by Rough Pathway

[FNGRpony 658]

What a horrible moral LOL that would be.  And seriously if that was true pinkie would broke the elements 5-6 times over with her just being her.

[SomariFeyWright 776]

Well, that's just silly. Of course they can befriend other ponies. Aside from Pinkie Pie's extroverted nature, Rainbow had Gilda as a friend, Fluttershy befriended Discord, AJ's known and beloved by the entire town, etc.

 

But being the team of ponies that wield the amazing power of the Elements of Harmony... I think that'd be worth a closer circle of friendship, wouldn't ya say?

[Scootalove 10,689]

They are able to make more friends, if they want to. All six of them have their own personality qualities, that can get them more friends when they decide to make more friends.

[The Prime Reaper 180]

Only Queen Chrysalis may be because she was the only villain that had not yet been friend converted.

Oh! I forgot about Sombra, that pathetic villain get killed by Hasbro bastards.

[FNGRpony 658]

Only Queen Chrysalis may be because she was the only villain that had not yet been friend converted.

Oh! I forgot about Sombra, that pathetic villain get killed by Hasbro bastards.

Well every time i think of sombre i half want him back an i half want him to stay dead lol.  Well all marvel at what might have been,

 

at the same time it's refreshing to know he can't do anymore damage with his mediocrity.

[pinkiefan1287 610]

I'm pretty sure that the mane 6 are aloud to make other friends outside of their group. They might have had close relationships with other friends before they even got the elements. Rainbow Dash might have other friends who are flyers. AJ could be friends with other farmers. And Pinkie Pie is friend with everypony. So it's hard to believe that they can't make other friends out-side of the group.

 

And I don't think if a new pony joined their group they would get a new element. The elements are already super powerful. Adding 1 new element would not change the power it already has. 

[Misterian 118]

The show gives nothing to indicate any of the Mane 6 cannot make any more friends nor would the Elements of Harmony would be affected if they did.

 

If the Elements would be affected, the show would have told us as much after telling us the Pinkie Pie is friends with literally everyone in Ponyville.

 

If anything, as long as the Mane 6 consistently maintain the friendship they already have for each other, they all can make as many new friends as they dang well please.

[Rainbow Dash Loyalty 1,275]

The show is mostly focused on the mane 6, I'm sure they're not forbidden to make any other friends. The show is about friendship anyway so there wouldn't be a purpose if you're only allowed limited friends. Plus Pinkie Pie is friends with basically everyone she knows. She tried her best to even gain friendship from a mule who hated her at first ;P

[Nature's Spell 526]

I agree with everypony else that they can and do have other friendships. What you need to remember is that they are all "best friends" to each other. Their mutual friendships are on a different level then casual friendship. In truth how many of us have five best friends? I know I don't. I've never really had one best friend. It's unique.

[Mars Caramel 319]

Just a little something I probably should mention. What if they are able to make friends, but not build a relationship as close as their relationships toward the Mane 6? I tried to say that in the OP, but I admit my wording wasn't very good.

[Nature's Spell 526]

Just a little something I probably should mention. What if they are able to make friends, but not build a relationship as close as their relationships toward the Mane 6? I tried to say that in the OP, but I admit my wording wasn't very good.

Well we've never seen anything in canon to support that idea so I can't stay one way or another. However, I's rather it not be true.

[Cwanky 17,610]

I hate to make this seem more obvious than it already is but:

 

         ^^^

For those who haven't noticed the obvious yet, the arrows are pointing at the key motto of the show:

 

FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC

 

Short of a significant plot event or more likely bad writing, why would normally making friends be a bad thing for the Mane 6? These aren't necessarily romantic advances if that's what you assume. Pinkie Pie befriended Cranky Doodle Donkey and Matilda, Rainbow Dash befriended Little Strongheart they all befriended Zecora, Mrs. Harshwhinny and even that wannabe villain Sunset Shimmer. Heck Fluttershy even managed to befriend Discord, and all of Tatarus hasn't unleashed havoc on Equestria and the bronydom yet.

 

If anything making more friends helps teach and reinforce the core message that we all can appreciate here. Moreover are characters breaking out of there comfort zones and molds such a bad thing? Its nice to see Rainbow Dash embrace her inner egghead and forge an unlikely friendship with Tank the tortoise and see Pinkie Pie succeed in helping and connecting to Cranky, someone whose her polar opposite. Hell I would love to see characters like Rarity be more than a high class, mule hating drama queen.

 

This is what helps make the show fun, entertaining and meaningful. Friendship is not exclusive nor conditional. If anything its magical as the show says, and often that means bringing together and helping the least likely of peoples. 

[Winona the Dog 1,984]

I think the Mane 6 just like to keep thier numbers small whenever they travel somewhere. I'm sure they have multiple friends where they live and interact with on a daily basis.

 

Example: Big Mac, Zecora

 

The show just doesn't focus on them because it's not necessary for the plot. Perhaps it's something they can do for a season 4 episode.

Edited October 4, 2013 by Ember The Dragoness

[FNGRpony 658]

I think the Mane 6 just like to keep thier numbers small whenever they travel somewhere. I'm sure they have multiple friends where they live and interact with on a daily basis.

 

Example: Big Mac, Zecora

 

The show just doesn't focus on them because it's not necessary for the plot. Perhaps it's something they can do for a season 4 episode.

 

 

Oh come on the plot is  90 percent slice of life problems.  We can't embrace that than say,

"Oh but there's no room in the sacred plot for more ponies."

 

Sure, if your trying to take down discord, or fend off the changeling army.

 

I fail to see how it would wreck an episode to see Lyria or bon bon stuff extra pinkie pies into a cellar lol or some such other nonsense.

[Winona the Dog 1,984]

Oh come on the plot is 90 percent slice of life problems. We can't embrace that than say,

"Oh but there's no room in the sacred plot for more ponies."

 

Sure, if your trying to take down discord, or fend off the changeling army.

 

I fail to see how it would wreck an episode to see Lyria or bon bon stuff extra pinkie pies into a cellar lol or some such other nonsense.

Hmmm....It could work for episodes like Winter Wrap Up, Putting Your Hoof Down or any episode where the ponies where all grouped together. Otherwise just throwing in a random background pony for a conversation or prolonged periods would feel out of place for that episode because said background character has little relevance.

 

I don't know I'm just a bit weirded out by seeing a background pony have their own little scene with the Mane 6. They would feel tacked on like a fan fic you know?

[FNGRpony 658]

Hmmm....It could work for episodes like Winter Wrap Up, Putting Your Hoof Down or any episode where the ponies where all grouped together. Otherwise just throwing in a random background pony for a conversation or prolonged periods would feel out of place for that episode because said background character has little relevance.

 

I don't know I'm just a bit weirded out by seeing a background pony have their own little scene with the Mane 6. They would feel tacked on like a fan fic you know?

 

you should one of the main six hanging out with (what ever oc) at the start of an episode and give a little foreshadowing.  "Hay can i come along some time."

Maybe give he a no a couple of times, build up anticipation, make the audience curious.

 

Kinda like the trix rabbit trying to get some trix lol.

Edited October 4, 2013 by FNGRpony

[Nulln 755]

They have other friends.  Rainbow Dash has Gilda.  Fluttershy has Discord (kinda).  Twilight has Cadence and her brother.  Pinkie Pie has everyone she meets.