Last update: 10 September, 2022
Friendship protects our psychological and physical health. It is proven that isolation has a great impact on mortality; in fact, there are studies that claim that lack of psychological support can have harmful effects on our health on a par with smoking, hypertension, high levels of bad cholesterol, obesity or lack of physical activity.
In this sense, we can say that the close bonds we create with others double our well-being and halve our sorrow. Creating intimate emotional relationships strengthens us, there is no question.
It is not easy to achieve satisfying psychological intimacy with the people around us, because many times disappointments make us prefer solitude. However, as long as this loneliness does not turn into isolation, our health is not compromised.
Friendship: the formation of emotional bonds
Being surrounded by people who love us makes us psychologically strong and prevents emotional difficulties resulting from various issues such as a divorce, an economic obstacle or an illness.
Having friends, therefore, helps us to divide the stress. It's wonderful to have a confidant, someone who can offer us help, advice, or a shoulder to cry on. The mere presence of loved ones in our lives reduces the impact of the vital setbacks we face.
The quality and frequency of our friendships seem to be the key to reducing the discomfort and sorrow that, at times, grips us. Robin's words in "Robin Hood - A Man in Tights" seem to illustrate just that:
«Speak freely and reveal your pains to us. The flow of words calms the heart of those who suffer; it's like opening the bulkheads when the dam threatens to overflow ».
Psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker pointed out that talking about the problems that concern us most has a beneficial effect on a physical and psychological level. Talking to our friends, therefore, gives us iron health.
Strengthen our emotional skills
When we talk about emotional skills, we refer to our ability to recognize, channel and control personal feelings, empathy and emotions that arise in social relationships.
No wonder, then, that when we have good friends around, we can strengthen our emotional abilities. This, in turn, allows us to be more predisposed for others to approach us (and vice versa), so we will have more options for creating meaningful relationships.
