Why Social connections are important to our happiness? Types of friendships we all need

The best friendships enrich lives by making us feel supported and appreciated, boost confidence and work as a happy pill.

What kinds of friendships provide us with the most joy? Humans require three to five close friends to obtain optimal life satisfaction. Having more intimate friendships than that can be difficult to manage. Looser connection with pals you aren't as close to can be just as valuable, especially when our social needs evolve and change. Here are the types of friendships that we require for optimal enjoyment and well-being.

Lifelong friends

Close friends and lifetime pals may have some overlap. Lifelong friends have the advantage of knowing you when you are still growing and evolving as a person. These people, also known as 'family friends', have known you and your family since childhood. These pals know all the distinctive ways you were raised and understand your parents and siblings well. While you may not communicate with these friends regularly, there is a depth of understanding that allows us to feel stable and secure in our friendship with them.

Close friends

Close friends are folks you have known for a long time and who have been there for you through thick and thin. Though there may be times when you aren't in touch, you can always start up right where you left off and call them whenever you need to. In this interaction, judgements and social attractiveness are less relevant, and an individual can be themselves. These partnerships both challenge and encourage us, allowing us to grow via validation and protection.

Friends made out of the hobby

Friendships formed by proximity, such as those formed through a pastime or interest or people who reside in our neighborhood are seen as friendships of convenience. Due to closeness and shared interests, such as trying a new restaurant in the neighborhood or attending a local event, you may see these pals more frequently than your close friends. Though these friendships may not last our entire lives but come under types of friendship we experience in our lives.

Work friends

We didn't realize how much emotional support we got from our coworkers until we were sent to remote work environments. Though you may lose touch if one of you or both move to a new company, work friends who understand your difficulties and can validate your sentiments provide a level of support that no other buddy can.

Friendship is just as important to our health, lifespan and happiness as nutrition and exercise.