Why is friendship important to people?

The songs “You've Got a Friend” by Carol King, Barbra Streisand's “People…who need people,” and Joe Cocker's “With a little help from my friends,” express the critical roles good friends play our lives. Like many of you, some of my oldest close friends have been an important part of my life over decades. read more

Of course, your online friends can also make you miserable too, especially if you get caught in the “friendship paradox” (the fact that most people on Facebook have fewer friends than the average number). read more

Friends are important to me simply because I know they are there. It is a feeling of stability - to know that if I ever am in trouble, I have someone to fall back on, someone who understands me. That's the main reason why friendships are personally important to me. read more

Married people say friendship is more than five times as important as physical intimacy within marriage. Those who say they have no real friends at work have only a one in 12 chance of feeling engaged in their job. Conversely, if you have a “best friend at work”, you are seven times more likely to feel engaged in your job. read more

Friendship is equally important to our mental health. One study even suggested spending time with positive friends actually changes our outlook for the better. That means we’re happier when we choose to spend time with happy people. read more