Friends enrich our lives

No one can get through life without a friend or friends. Friendship is one of the most fundamental aspects of being human. Without friends who would we be and where would we be?

So, today on International Friendship Day, we are invited to seek out our friends or make new friends. The idea of a Global Friendship Day was first mooted in 1958 by Dr Ramon Artemio Bracho during a dinner with friends in Paraguay. Then in 2011, the United Nations chose July 30 as International Friendship Day.

Why is friendship so important? In times of joy and hardship, having someone to talk to, laugh with, or discuss our problems can make a huge difference. The alternative, loneliness, is not worth thinking about.

Experts say friendships can shield us against stress, anxiety, and depression. When we confide in a trusted friend, we can gain new perspectives and feel less alone in facing our struggles. Studies show that people with strong social connections tend to have better mental health, higher self-esteem, and even longer life expectancy.

From an early age, friends help us develop empathy, communication skills, and self-awareness. We also learn how to work through conflicts, celebrate others’ successes, and support one another through challenges. They provide companionship, making experiences more enjoyable—whether it be attending a concert, a movie, travelling, or having dinner together.

As we connect with others who share similar values or interests, we also begin to better understand ourselves. At the same time, diverse friendships expose us to new ideas and cultures, broadening our perspectives.

Later in life, friends often become key companions, especially as people experience transitions such as retirement, relocation, or loss of a loved one. Friends enrich our lives in so many ways. At our core, we are social beings—and friends are the ones who make that part of life fulfilling and meaningful.

So, don’t take your friends for granted. Start texting, pick up the phone or drive to their place for a drink and a chat!

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