Why friendship is important?

We’re wired for connection, according to popular shame researcher Brene Brown. Connection drives much of our behavior and has a powerful impact on our overall health. We seek out relationships with like-minded people that we relate to, who we see ourselves in, and who see some of themselves in us.

Friendship can improve social and life skills by giving us a foundation for all relationships. We learn about social cues and interactions with friends. It’s not just fun; it’s a place we learn about how to make conversation, interact, love, and forgive. We observe and learn from friends about how to deal with challenges and manage emotions. Friends also give us a safe place to be ourselves.

Friendship improves and supports mental health. Good friendships support us in making positive life choices, help us manage stress levels through enjoyable sharing and activities, and can inspire you with your own positive changes or behavior.

The expression, “A problem shared is a problem solved,” applies when considering the benefits of friendship. Friends can provide feedback and insight when facing problems and offer us new ways to look at things. Research has shown that social connections help relieve stress, a known risk factor for cardiovascular, digestive, and immune system health complications. Friends also protect us from loneliness, and loneliness is a factor in some mental health conditions like depression. Loneliness can also contribute to the risk of substance abuse.

Friendship means that we’re surrounded by understanding, conversation, caring, support, and fun. When we’re facing hard times, friends are likely to check on us, listen to us, and support us until we’re feeling better. Friends can also help build self-esteem and confidence by offering praise and reassurance, making notes when you’ve done something fantastic, and shining a light on what you bring to the table.

The importance of friendship can’t be over-emphasized. It can serve as a protective mental health factor, increase wellness, and it meets one of our most basic needs – human connection. Nurturing your friendships with contact, shared activities, invitations, phone calls, and more are important to maintaining them and giving and receiving friends' benefits. I feel you need to grow your circle of friends, volunteer work in your community, involvement at a local club or organization, accepting invitations, and meeting people in your neighborhood are good places to start.