A couple of years ago, I took a long-overdue trip to Miami to spend a week with my dear friend, Clara. It was a rare opportunity for a child-free vacation, a significant departure from my usual routine of family obligations. Given that I had only been away from my husband and kids a handful of times in nine years—mostly for work—this getaway was a moment I had been eagerly anticipating. Even though Clara and I share a deep bond, our time alone together had become scarce since I became a parent. From the moment I stepped into her chic art deco apartment in South Beach, we were giggling like we were back in our teenage years.
Being with Clara was a nostalgic plunge into a past where time seemed to stretch infinitely. With no kids or partners to care for, we embraced five days of freedom. Clara whisked us around South Beach on her scooter, we lounged on the beach for hours, dressed up for a night out at the Miami Opera House to catch a performance of Wicked, and indulged in late-night chats until the early hours. We even found ourselves laughing so much that my face ached.
What I cherish most about friendships like mine with Clara is that even if years go by without seeing each other, we easily reconnect as if no time has passed. I am fortunate to have several friendships like this, and they play a pivotal role in helping me maintain a balanced perspective on my marriage and parenthood. They provide comic relief and insights that enrich my life, inspiring me to be a better person.
It’s remarkable how friendships often begin by chance. Some of my closest friends have come into my life at random events, including a birth class, a business conference, and in Clara’s case, during a backpacking adventure in Australia. These friendships become woven into the very fabric of our lives, as they share in our joys and challenges. They celebrate our victories, lift us during tough times, and remind us of our strengths when we start to doubt ourselves. Friends truly are the family we choose, and I am incredibly grateful for mine.
The health benefits of maintaining close friendships are well documented. Research shows that individuals with strong social connections are 50% more likely to outlive those without. In fact, the positive impacts of close friendships on life expectancy can rival the benefits of quitting smoking and surpass those of regular exercise or a healthy diet. A study conducted at University College London revealed that college students with close friends were half as likely to catch a cold compared to their peers with fewer social connections, despite similar exposure to the virus. Furthermore, when placed in stressful situations, participants felt more self-assured and produced lower cortisol levels in the presence of close friends.
Not surprisingly, staying in touch with friends has been linked to increased happiness. Studies indicate that people are twelve times more likely to feel joyful on days spent with friends. A brief conversation with a cheerful friend can boost our optimism and diminish stress.
While I didn’t need scientific studies to tell me about the value of my friendships, my week with Clara underscored the importance of carving out time for such experiences. That trip was a refreshing burst of joy in my life; I laughed more during that week than I had in an entire year, and I realized how beneficial it was for my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
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In summary, friendships are vital to our health and happiness, providing support and joy that enrich our lives. Making time for friends can significantly enhance our well-being and help us navigate life’s challenges.