Written by: Belynder Walia, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
People say you can count your good friends on the one hand. On the other hand, some believe you only need one good friend. We have all known friendships to be an essential part of our social development, but if we wanted, we could have many acquaintances, but worthy friends are usually labelled as such because they are the ones that are there for us during the good times and the bad. It gives us someone to laugh with and share our life's burdens. Most would agree that friendships make everything better. Of course, this is still a challenge for some. However, let's explore how good friendships affect our lives and why are they so necessary.
The True Meaning of Friendship
A friendship is a special bond that connects people. But what is the true meaning of friendship? Some people might say that it's simply a bond between people who share common interests or experiences. However, genuine friendship is so much more than that.
True friendship bases its relationship on mutual respect, trust, and support. It's a relationship in which people are there for each other, no matter what. Good friends are always willing to help their peers, and they never hesitate to offer a listening ear or shoulder to cry on.
The relationship is also a remarkable way to learn about yourself, boost self-esteem, and embrace enhanced social skills. When you're around your friends, you should feel that you can be yourself without needing to put on a show. You can be spontaneous and silly, or you can share your deepest thoughts and feelings without the sensitivity of judgement. Good friendships give one a sense of freedom to be your authentic self.
The Science Behind Friendship
Studies have shown that friendships are essential for our overall health and well-being. Friends can provide us with support, love, and laughter, all vital to living a happy, enthusiastic, healthy lifestyle.
Although there are many theories about why friendships are so beneficial, scientists have not yet agreed on a single answer. Some believe that friendships help us live longer and healthier lives, while others believe that this companionship makes us happier and more content.
One theory that has gained popularity in recent years is the 'social mirroring' theory. This theory suggests that we are attracted to certain people because they reflect the qualities that we like and admire. So, for example, if you are shy and introverted, you may be drawn to friends who are also timid, and this is because they reflect the qualities that you like about yourself.
Another theory is the 'tend and befriend' theory. This theory suggests that humans are social animals and have a natural tendency to seek out relationships with others. The approach also means when faced with a threat or a challenge, we tend to seek out the support of our friends.
Even though there is continuous research, especially regarding the friendship people crave with people of influence and social media followers, there is no doubt that good friendships can develop. We look for meaningful relationships, and if one is a virtual friend, they still provide the need we crave as humans ‒ acceptance. Overall, to overcome the idea of loneliness, we all feel an innate need to feel worthy, valued and feel a sense of belonging, all that contributes to our mental and emotional health and psychological well-being.
Most who have good relationships with others believe they are supported, loved, and enjoy companionship. Therefore, they are known as lifelines to assist with helping fulfil the need to feel accepted in society.
Five Benefits of Having Good Friendships
1. Provides support
Friendships provide a person one turns to for sympathy with one's troubles, a listening ear, and a foundation of relief and encouragement during challenging times as well as times of fun. When one needs friendship to help clarify issues, we always turn to this companionship.
2. A Sense of Belonging
The idea that one needs to feel accepted and valued depends on how they earn respect, show loyalty and navigate our own moral compass. The sense of belonging gives us the opportunity of being a part of something larger than ourselves.
3. Boosts Our Mood
Friendships are a vital ingredient in our emotional well-being. Studies have shown that people who have strong friendships are happier and healthier than those who do not.
4. Helps Us Stay Mentally Sharp
Friendships help keep our minds active and engaged. Friends challenge us to think in new ways and see things from a different perspective. As a result, friends help us improve our ability to communicate better with others.
5. Fun
A great way to have entertainment and relax is by spending time with good friends. Friends can make us laugh and help us enjoy life to the fullest. Also, they can include us and encourage us to share group activities that help us learn new skills.
In addition, good relationships help improve confidence and increase the ability to cope with stress and fear. A good friendship is powerful, and it can change our lives for the better and make us feel like we are building our resilience skills quickly. A good friend makes one feel understood, loved and we effortlessly develop a sense of gratitude for being a part of an extended group. Ultimately a good friend is someone who can be compassionate, empathise, give time, set healthy boundaries, and most of all give unconditional affection, without wanting anything, but the same in return.
Belynder Walia, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Belynder Walia is a leading Psychotherapist, helping people who need a swift, effective solution to a current problem that negatively impacts their lives. She's worked with a wide variety of people, from stay-at-home carers to experts and celebrities in the public eye. Having suffered Perinatal Anxiety, she focused on enabling others to learn, heal and grow from pain. Belynder is the founder of Serene Lifestyles, an online psychotherapy practice at www.serenelifestyles.com. Her ground-breaking methods include a combination of Psychotherapy and Neuroplasticity to help rewire the THREE Brains (the head, the heart, and the gut). She has been featured in many publications, including Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Harpers Bazaar, The Moment, Planet Mindful, Thrive Global, and The London Economic. Belynder is also writing her first non-fiction book, lessons on Anxiety, providing quick fixes to help people radically change their minds so that they can change their life.
