Presented by BetterHelp
We can’t choose or change a lot of circumstances in our lives, but one thing we do have control over is who we befriend and spend most of our time with. The people you surround yourself with can greatly influence your habits, mental health, and overall quality of life, making it essential to form friendships that are good for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of friendship and how you can ensure you’re building and maintaining strong bonds with the people you care about.
Why Are Friendships Important?
Society tends to focus on romantic relationships as the primary source of joy in life, but friendships can be equally as important. The love shared between friends (known as platonic love) can fulfill unique needs that a partner may not be able to. For example, a friend may share interests with you that your significant other doesn’t, or they might offer emotional support when your partner can’t be there for you. Friendships can add to your life in multiple other ways, including the following:
- Fewer lonely feelings: Loneliness can take a toll on your mental health, leaving you feeling rejected, unworthy, and unwanted. Friends can provide you with a sense of belonging and remind you of why you’re both likable and lovable. They can also offer their company, whether that means hanging out at a coffee shop or pursuing a similar interest, such as a sport.
- Healthier habits: Friends can enrich your physical and mental health by encouraging and supporting healthier, more productive habits. This might include engaging in hobbies like exercising, openly communicating and setting boundaries, eating nutritiously, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
- Less stress: The listening ear and shoulder to cry on that friends typically can reduce your stress levels by allowing you to vent and get heavy thoughts and feelings off your chest. Simply spending time with your friends can also put you at ease, helping you relax and focus on something else other than life’s challenges.
- More support: Friends often provide emotional support during difficult times in life, whether you’re facing the death of a loved one or a breakup. Their support can encourage you to keep pressing forward and remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles.
- Higher self-esteem: When you have solid friendships, your self-esteem is normally higher, as you see yourself worthy of these connections. Good friends celebrate your successes with you and encourage you when you’re feeling down, helping you believe in yourself even when it’s difficult.
People who have close friends tend to live longer than those who don’t have strong friendships or are isolated and lonely. Remember that it’s not the quantity of friends you have, but the quality. If you have just one or two people in your corner who you know are loyal, trustworthy, and supportive, that may be all you need.
Making good friends often begins with being a good friend. So, if there’s someone that you’re interested in getting to know more deeply, make an effort to reach out to them and treat them as you’d like to be treated. When you focus on what you’re putting out into the world, the right people will recognize it and return that same energy.
Conclusion
Friendship can be a powerful force in life, providing you with emotional support, boosting your mental health, and helping you achieve personal growth. The need for friends rarely goes away, even when you’re involved in a romantic relationship. If you already have close friendships, be sure to hold onto them tight—you have something very valuable that not everyone gets the chance to enjoy. Whether you’re leaning into old friends or making new ones, recognizing the importance of friendship and then pursuing those relationships can allow you to lead a happier, more fulfilling life.
