Jim, Chris, Mike, and Paul have been friends since the late s. They met in college, when they were all playing in rock bands — sometimes the same one — and have remained close. He made a proposal: Each day, one of the four would take a turn picking a musician to celebrate.
They would text the name of the artist to the group and then they would all listen, read, watch related films — anything that could spur conversation. Paul, Minn. Prine later passed away from its complications, and the group grieved the loss together. As the pandemic upended many normal routines, Schaldach prized the consistency of the ritual.
That feeling of security is one of the many emotional benefits friendship provides. But the paybacks extend far beyond emotional health: Close friendships also support our physical health.
This much is clear: Sustaining our friendships improves our well-being. Friends can make us laugh, offer support, and simply listen to us vent when we need it. But these are things family members often provide — so what makes friendship so special? Yet we often devalue friendships, she notes, especially as we get older and settle into familial routines and obligations.
And we are biologically tied to our family members. Still, focusing mainly on our romantic partners while ignoring everyone else can stress friendships and partnerships. Friendships can take some of the pressure off that partner relationship. At the same time, they provide support in ways a partner or family member cannot. Leaver concurs. Friendship, it turns out, is a bulwark against a range of health issues.
