Need for Friendship

Close friendships – lasting bonds of mutual affection – are not only emotionally rewarding but also linked to tangible health benefits, including longer life. Recognizing this, humans have a need for friendship that may drive us to seek out companions, spend time together in enjoyable activities, and care for each other in a reciprocal way. Scientific evidence is striking: a meta-analysis of over 300,000 people found that those with strong social relationships (friends, family) had about a 50% higher likelihood of survival over time compared to socially isolated individuals. Friendships provide a “social buffer,” meaning that having friends helps cushion the impact of stress and adversity (for example, talking to a friend can calm our physiological stress responses). Additionally, good friends bring joy and fun into life, which supports mental health. In short, friendship is like a constant protective and uplifting force – it improves well-being day-to-day and can even contribute to a healthier, longer life.