In this busy, crazy hustle and bustle we call life,  career ambitions often take the front seat and our personal lives can fall by the wayside and take a backseat, especially our friendships.  

The clink of a glass, the spontaneous laughter over a shared secret, and the silent understanding, when words fall short, are some of the many ways I would describe friendship and all that comes with it.  National Friendship Day was just last week.  Did you know that was even a day?  Well, it made me want to dive into the rich tapestry of friendships, why they’re important, how we can maintain them, and the profound impact they have on our psychological well-being.

The Importance of Friendships

In the cosmopolitan cocktail of life, our friendships stir together the vital ingredients we desperately need—support, love, understanding, and laughter. They're the reminder that no matter if we're gliding smoothly or tripping up at every curb, we're not navigating this runway alone. And that's precisely why cherishing these bonds isn't just important—it's essential.

Female friendships are more than just a delightful detour from the daily grind; they are our sanctuaries from the storms of life, cushions of comfort, and mirrors reflecting our truest selves (and let’s face it, sometimes we don’t like looking in those mirrors, do we?  Thank goodness for our friends!). These bonds do wonders for both our mental and physical well-being. 

Research confirms that close friendships not only add years to our lives but also diminish stress and enhance our overall happiness. For many of us, these relationships are as crucial as family ties, offering a unique companionship that arms us with the strength to tackle life's hurdles with vigor. They cultivate resilience, allowing us to rebound from personal setbacks and hardships with a renewed spirit.

The Psychology of Friendships

Exploring the psychology of friendships is like stepping into a chic boutique—there's more to it than meets the eye. Studies show that having strong friendships can actually boost our mental health, self-esteem, and physical well-being. These relationships buffer us against the stresses of life, uplift our spirits, and can even help us live longer healthier lives. It's all about connection. When we connect, we thrive, both mentally and physically.

How many times have you called a friend after a rough day and she gets you?  More than likely, once you’ve talked you feel better, she’s talked you off the ledge, and given you a different perspective.  You may or may not like what she has to say, but you know it’s coming from a place of love, and who can get mad about that?  

According to an American Psychological Association article written by Zara Abrams, “The Science of Why Friendships Keep Us Healthy,” high-quality friendships that provide social support and companionship, significantly predict well-being and can protect against depression and anxiety.  Friendships also change the way we respond to stress.

I’m sure you have stories upon stories about how your friends love you no matter what, accept you for who you are, tell you what you don’t want to hear, hand you a box of tissues when needed, and even the dreaded, lest we want to forget, the days she held your hair back while becoming best friends with the toilet because you should not have taken that last tequila shot!  She also threw that surprise birthday party for you, took you out to dinner when you received that promotion, and helped you cope with the passing of your parents.  She also made you get out of bed when all you wanted to do was be a hermit and never come out again, just you, the bed, and your martini glass.

She's invaluable and life just wouldn’t be the same without her.  

In a Healthline article, Crystal Raypole shares the 6 benefits of friendship, 

1. Less loneliness
2. Reduced stress
3. Emotional support
4. Personal development
5. Sense of belonging
6. Support through challenges

Isn’t it great that something so special is also so good for you? Why can’t it be that way with Ben & Jerry’s PB S’more ice cream?

The Love Languages of Friendships

Like any relationship, friendships require effort and understanding. They’re about give and take, understanding when to step in with a comforting hug and when to step back and give space. It's a delicate dance, much like navigating a bustling street in stilettos!

You’ve probably heard of the book, The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  I think these also apply to friendships, and really, any relationship.  If you know someone’s love language, does that mean it will be 100% smooth sailing with no misunderstandings or conflicts? 

You’ve probably heard of the book, The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  I think these also apply to friendships, and really, any relationship.  If you know someone’s love language, does that mean it will be 100% smooth sailing with no misunderstandings or conflicts?  

Absolutely not!  But I do believe that knowing someone’s love language can lead to a more satisfying relationship and isn't that what we all want?

The five love languages are:

1. Words of Affirmation - Compliments and words of encouragement go a long way in affirming a friend’s worth and achievements.
2. Acts of Service - Helping a friend in need, whether it's aiding in planning a party or supporting them during tough times, can significantly deepen the friendship.
3. Receiving Gifts - Thoughtful gifts can be a powerful way to show appreciation and affection. Something as simple as a card in the mail or a custom wine glass can make your friend feel cherished and valued.
4. Quality Time - Spending time together, engaging in meaningful activities, or simply catching up over coffee, emphasizes the importance of friendship.
5. Physical Touch - A hug or a gentle touch can convey comfort and empathy, strengthening the emotional connection.

Friendships thrive on understanding and speaking one's love languages. Some friends might find words of affirmation—the "you're amazing" texts and pep talks before a big meeting. For others, acts of service like helping with a move or cooking a meal when ill speak volumes. Quality time, whether it's a video call to a friend or meeting for a happy hour or dinner, can strengthen ties and create lasting memories.

Then there are those friendships where physical touch—a hug, a gentle squeeze of the hand—can communicate more love and reassurance than a thousand words. And let’s not forget the friends who treasure gifts, where a thoughtful present, no matter how small, is a tangible reminder of affection and thoughtfulness.

Love languages are usually discussed in the context of romance, but these languages are just as pivotal in the realms of friendship. Understanding your friend's love language can transform your relationships. Does your friend treasure quality time? Perhaps a long, heart-to-heart chat over a glass of wine spells 'love' more profoundly than any gift could. Or are acts of service their language? Maybe helping them organize a dazzling event speaks volumes.

Just like a wardrobe needs a variety of styles, friendships need different expressions of love. Recognizing and speaking your friend's love language can make your bond as timeless and classic as the little black dress in your closet.

Three Ways to Let Your Friends Know They Mean the World to You

1. Customized Connections: In the age of technology, a personalized message or a greeting card in the mail can bridge miles in a moment. For that friend living across the country, schedule regular video calls to share your day or watch a movie together online, making sure you're present despite the physical distance.
2. The Gift of Thought: Send a surprise package—maybe a personalized or monogrammed glass symbolizing your unique bond (of course you’ll have a matching one). It’s a little way to celebrate your friendship and the moments you've shared, ensuring they know that they are always in your thoughts.
3. Create New Memories: Plan a yearly meet-up, rotating between your hometowns or exploring new places together. These shared adventures become the legends of your friendship, retold and relished for years to come.

Remember, friendships are like fine wine—they get better with age, especially when cared for with love and attention. If you want to take an extra step in celebrating these precious connections, download our exclusive friendship greeting cards and start crafting your messages of love and appreciation. 

Because in this world of endless sidewalks and infinite stories, it's the bonds we cherish that truly dress up our days.

Cheers to friendships, to love, and to celebrating every moment with the people who make our life truly fabulous!

References

1 The Science of Why Friendships Keep Us Healthy: Zara Abrams (June 1, 2023), The American Psychological Association 

2  6 Ways Friendship Is Good For Your Health: Crystal Raypole (August 17, 2020), Healthline