I met up with a long-time friend recently. We hadn’t been in touch for over a year. We met, caught up on what has been going on in our lives and enjoyed each other’s company as though we had just seen each other last week. Upon leaving our meeting. I thought how fortunate I am to have people in my life that I can enjoy, care about, and keep in touch no matter how long it’s been. I am fortunate to have friends who have been in my life for many years. People who are special because they have lived life alongside mine. We have a history of mutual acquaintances and events. We may not be in touch often, but we still have a connection. 

Did you know that having friends gives you many benefits? Maintaining positive friendships is necessary for your health. Think of it in the same light as healthy eating and exercise and it can provide long-term physical and emotional well-being benefits. 

A Psychology Today article by Suzanne Degges-White, Ph.D. states there are seven types of friends which all affect our health and happiness. Lifelong friends, best friends, close friends, social group friends, active friends, convenient friends, and acquaintances. 

Acquaintances are people we know but haven’t spent time with. Casual friends are the friends we hang out with at work or pottery class, for company and camaraderie. Close friends are our besties that we share everything with. Lifelong friends, or childhood friends, are practically family. These different friends contribute to the social fabric of our lives, offering support, comfort, advice, companionship, a sense of belonging, some laughs, and a lot of memories. And less-intimate friendships may matter more than you think. All this can give you a feeling you are part of a larger community and change your life for the better. An 85-year Harvard study discovered that the most important thing that brings us happiness in life is positive relationships, and your friendships are a huge component. 

Friendships have many benefits. It can prevent isolation and loneliness and gives you a chance to reciprocate. Friends can also increase your sense of belonging and purpose. Having friends can reduce stress and improve your self-confidence and self-worth. Coping with traumas and life changes such as divorce, illness, job loss or death can be supported by friends. It also can encourage you to live a better lifestyle with healthy habits. Studies have found that older adults who have meaningful relationships and social support are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections. 

Wondering what type of friend you have? Ask yourself a few questions. Do you feel comfortable, and do you trust them with the information you share with them? Do you feel respected, and can you express your disagreement? 

On the flip side, you may look for these signs in someone who is not a good friend. Someone who betrays your confidence or spreads gossip about you. Does the person compete with you, is jealous of or threatened by your success? Is this person criticizing you, belittling your achievements, or making hurtful remarks? If so, reassess your relationship with them. 

Developing and maintaining healthy friendships involves give-and-take. Sometimes you’re the one giving support, and other times you’re on the receiving end. Letting friends know you care about them and appreciate them can help strengthen the relationship. Being a good friend is as important as surrounding yourself with good friends. To nurture friendships, be a good listener, be empathetic and kind, be trustworthy, reliable, authentic, and available.

Remember, it’s never too late to develop new friendships or reconnect with old friends. Investing time in making friends and strengthening your friendships can pay off in better health and a brighter outlook for years to come. 

Thank you to all my friends over my lifetime. Lifelong, new, and old friends, some who I have learned much from, others who I have helped when in need, and some who have given me much laughter and many who are no longer on this earth and are sorely missed. 

“True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island… to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.” -Baltasar Gracian

Robin Anne Griffiths–Founder of ReChargeMe Zone * Behavioral Change Specialist * Yoga Instructor * Meditation Facilitator * Personal Trainer * Author * Speaker * Helping people on a journey for change to live a fuller and healthier life.