friendships

The Importance of Love on Well-Being

The Importance of Love on Well-Being

Love, a complex and multifaceted emotion, transcends conventional boundaries and encompasses a spectrum of sentiments, ranging from affection and tenderness to empathy and connection (Vangelisti & Perlman, 2019). In the contemporary discourse, psychologists like Barbara Fredrickson have emphasized that love defies rigid categorization and flourishes in myriad forms, influencing various aspects of human experience (Fredrickson, 2019). 

Moreover, recent research underscores that love extends beyond romantic relationships to include the bonds we share with friends, family, and even strangers .These diverse expressions of love contribute significantly to individuals' well-being and social connectedness, fostering resilience and emotional fulfillment. By acknowledging and appreciating the richness of love in its various forms, individuals cultivate a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in human relationships and enhance their overall quality of life.

You've Got a Friend

You've Got a Friend

Have you ever reflected on the number of people you’ve met throughout your life’s journey? Try to think of an exact number. Most likely, your head hurts from trying to do this–we come across a myriad of people every day by simply stepping outside our door. Now, how many people would you say you can really count on, those people who would drop everything to help you jumpstart your dead car battery or move into your new house? The number of people you thought of in response to my first question probably decreased significantly, but I’d venture to say that the actual significance of the people you thought of in response to my second question increased. Although we may have unique reasons for why we admire a certain friend, research suggests that compared to each other, we all can reap similar benefits of friendship.

Be a Friend, Make a Friend: Cultivating Supportive Relationships

Be a Friend, Make a Friend: Cultivating Supportive Relationships

When this relationship unexpectedly came to an end, I thought I would certainly be totally and utterly alone after neglecting and even chipping away at some very dear relationships. However, in my moment of distress, stalwart friends came to my rescue and carried me through my difficult times. I now want to be that same kind of friend in return.