The Evolution of Friendship: Why Friends Are More Important Than Ever

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The Evolution of Friendship: Why Friends Are More Important Than Ever

It's no secret that we all crave great friendships in our lives and that?Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe were characters we all related to, loved and still love on reruns of one of the highest-rated shows of all time called "Friends.” They captured the hearts of the whole world with their somewhat realish and relatable portrayal of six friends navigating their crazy twenties in New York City.

And while "Friends" may have been a fictional portrayal of friendship, it tapped into some very real human needs and desires. We all long for a sense of belonging, for someone to confide in when we're feeling sad or scared, and for the kind of joy that comes from spending quality time with the people we truly care about.

The older I get, I find that the number of great friends I have has sadly dwindled. Perhaps it’s from moving away from NYC, a decade of building Blue Scorpion and my romantic relationships, some friends dying too young or just simply losing touch with people over time. Whatever the reason, it's tough to look back sometimes on the days when I was younger and I had so many good friends who I enjoyed spending time with and that I saw all the time.

As an adult it’s hard to make new/great friends, making and maintaining friendships takes a lot time and effort, but the rewards are definitely worth it. Friendship is one of the most important aspects of our lives. It’s what brings us true joy and happiness, and it’s what makes a full life worth living. But what does it truly mean to be a great and generous friend? How can we be the kind of friend that the people we love and care for truly deserve?

The Stoics placed great importance on friendship, believing that it was a key component of a fulfilling and virtuous life. According to the Stoics, true friendship is a bond between two people who share a commitment to virtue and a deep respect for one another.

The Stoic philosopher Seneca wrote extensively about the importance of friendship in his letters to his friend Lucilius. He believed that true friendship was rare and valuable, and that it was essential for living a good life. Seneca wrote, "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

The Stoics also believed that true friendship was characterized by honesty, trust, and mutual support. They believed that friends should be able to speak openly and honestly with one another, and that they should always act in each other's best interests. They also believed that true friends should be able to provide each other with emotional support and comfort during difficult times.

In addition, the Stoics believed that true friendship was not dependent on external factors such as wealth, status, or power. Instead, they believed that true friendship was based on a deep connection between two individuals who shared a commitment to virtue and a desire to live a good life.

Great friends make everything better, the right friendships can also have significant health benefits and even contribute to longer life expectancy. Medical studies conducted by top Ivy League institutions and medical professionals have found compelling evidence to support this claim.

Studies have shown that people with strong social connections have a lower risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. One study by the University of Michigan found that having a supportive social network could improve psychological well-being and reduce the risk of mental health problems by up to 60 percent.

In addition to improving mental health, having good friends can also help reduce stress levels. Studies have found that people with strong social connections are less likely to develop stress-related health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. One study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found that people with stronger social networks had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

But the benefits of friendship don't stop there. Several studies have found that people with strong social connections tend to live longer than those who are socially isolated. One study conducted by Brigham Young University found that social isolation is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Another study by Harvard University found that strong social connections can add years to your life, with one researcher estimating that having close relationships can increase life expectancy by as much as 50 percent.

So how exactly do strong social connections contribute to better health and longer life expectancy? Medical professionals believe that having great friends can lead to better immune function, improved cardiovascular health, and lower levels of inflammation.

Social media has also had a significant impact on friendships, both positive and negative. On the positive side, social media has made it easier to stay in touch with friends who live far away or who we may not have seen in years. It has also made it easier to make new friends, by connecting us with people who share our interests or live in our communities.

However, social media has also had negative effects on friendships. It can create feelings of jealousy and envy, as we see our friends' carefully curated highlight reels on social media and compare them to our own lives. It can also make us feel more isolated, as we spend more time online and less time interacting with people in person.

Here are 5 top suggestions to be the most amazing friend:

1. Show gratitude: Don't forget to show your friends how much you appreciate them. Whether it's a heartfelt thank-you note, a thoughtful gift, or simply telling them how much they mean to you, make sure your friends know how much you value their friendship.
2. Listen without judgment: Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a friend is just listen. When they're going through a tough time, resist the urge to give advice or try to solve their problems. Instead, simply be there to listen and offer support. Accept your friends exactly as they are.
3. Be honest: A true friend is someone who isn't afraid to be honest, even when it's tough. If you think your friend is making a mistake or needs to hear some hard truths, be brave enough to speak up in a kind and compassionate way.
4. Celebrate their successes: When your friends achieve something great, whether it's landing a new job or completing a personal goal, make sure you're there to celebrate with them. Being happy for your friends and supporting their dreams is an essential part of being an amazing friend.
5. Show up: Being a great friend means showing up for the people you care about, both in good times and bad. Whether it's celebrating a milestone or offering a shoulder to cry on, make sure your friends know you're there for them and don't forget their BIRTHDAYS.

The Bible has much to say about true friendship and the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships with others. Here are a few verses that highlight the biblical perspective on friendship:

1. Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." This verse emphasizes the importance of true friends who are loyal and committed, even during difficult times.
2. Proverbs 27:6 - "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." This verse highlights the value of honest feedback and constructive criticism from true friends, as opposed to flattery or insincere compliments from false friends.
3. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." This passage emphasizes the importance of mutual support and collaboration in true friendships.
4. John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." This verse speaks to the sacrificial nature of true friendship, where one is willing to put the needs and interests of their friend before their own.

True friends are committed to each other through thick and thin, willing to speak truthfully and offer honest but constructive feedback, and always ready to lend a helping hand when needed without the other asking! Through the lens of the Bible, true friendship is a gift from God and a vital component of a healthy and fulfilling life. Having strong social connections and great friendships can have a profound impact on both your physical and mental health.

Here are some zodiac signs that are often considered to make great friends:

1. TAURUS: TAUREANS are known for their LOYALTY, dependability, and practicality, which makes them greatest friends. They are also very patient, supportive, and reliable, and they value close, long-lasting relationships.
2. Cancer: Cancers are often very caring, nurturing, and empathetic, which can make them great friends. They are also very loyal and supportive, and they place a high value on emotional connections and intimacy.
3. Libra: Librans are known for their social skills, diplomacy, and charm, which can make them great friends. They are often very good at balancing the needs of different people and groups, and they value fairness and harmony in their relationships.
4. Scorpio: Scorpios are often very passionate, intense, and loyal, which can make them great friends. They are also very intuitive and perceptive, and they value deep, meaningful connections with others.
5. Pisces: Pisceans are often very creative, imaginative, and empathetic, which can make them great friends. They are also very compassionate and supportive, and they value spiritual and emotional connections with others.

Here are some examples of zodiac signs that are often well-suited for friendships with each other:

1. Aries and Sagittarius: Both signs are known for their adventurous spirit, love of exploration, and enthusiasm for life, which can make for a fun and exciting friendship.
2. Taurus and Cancer: Both signs value security, stability, and emotional connections, which can create a strong and supportive friendship.
3. Gemini and Aquarius: Both signs are intellectually curious, socially engaged, and enjoy lively conversation and debate, which can make for a stimulating and engaging friendship.
4. Leo and Libra: Both signs are social, outgoing, and enjoy being the center of attention, which can create a dynamic and fun friendship.
5. Virgo and Capricorn: Both signs are practical, responsible, and hardworking, which can make for a reliable and dependable friendship.

Want to learn how to make friends? The timeless book by Dale Carnegie "How to Win Friends and Influence People" is a great starting point.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034/

The greatest friends understand your past, believe in your future, and accept you just the way you are...Jamison

#Friendship #InterpersonalRelationships #Communication