Why Having a BFF (Best Friend Forever) Improves Your Quality of Life

You’ve probably had a good buddy at some point in your life. School-age kids often call their best friends their “BFF” (best friend forever). In weddings, the bride and groom have their maid of honor and their best man. when people have children, they may select Godparents. Essentially, no matter what phase of life we are in, having a pal adds huge support to our lives.

I was wondering how much having a close friendship benefits us? Research supports the idea that a best friend not only boosts our support system and community, but they can also help our quality of life. Recent research supports just how much having close relationships in your life makes you healthier!

What is a best friend?

A best friend is someone with whom you have a close, intimate connection. This is marked by feelings of care, respect, admiration, and love. A person who you are close to is a person you can rely on to be there for you no matter what, and in clinical terms, you have created a secure attachment.

Having friends lowers stress.

In one study, people were put in stressful situations. Some of the group members were allowed to have someone special with them, while the rest were not. Those who were able to have a person they are close to with them had significantly lower levels of cortisol, a high stress hormone. The individuals who had their friend with them were able to think more clearly and make better decisions.

Friends help increase our overall acceptance and wellbeing.

In this same study, the individuals who had an important person there during the negative experience not only had lower stress, but they also had a higher sense of global self-worth. This means they were able to continue to view themselves as valuable and worthy of care and love after multiple negative experiences.

They help you feel like you belong.

Possibly one of the most powerful things about a solid friendship is that it makes you feel like you belong. They accept you for who you are, they support you in the toughest of times, and they encourage you to do better. Like a life partner, your best pal can truly make you a better person. A sense of belonging improves our motivation and happiness.

Having a close friend increases our physical health.

Last but certainly not least, having a good buddy in our lives increases our physical health. Some studies suggest that having a best friend lowers your risk of catching the common cold! Other studies have found that having a support system of friends lowers a person’s chance of developing diseases like dementia. These same studies also show that having a good group of friends helps individuals who are struggling with depression manage the symptoms.

Do you have a good friend in your life? If you haven’t reached out or seen this person recently, reach out to them today. Show them how much you appreciate having them in your life. If you don’t have a best friend, reach out to other important people in your life. Either way, it’s important to foster these connections in your life. Now you know just how much they matter!