I think my life is missing girlfriends. I am very busy with work and family obligations but I realize my husband cannot meet all of my emotional needs or all my social needs. I need female friends too. Don’t you think?
YES I DO!!
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP
The definition of A True Friend
* The tendency to desire what is best for the other
* Sympathy and empathy
* Honesty, perhaps in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, especially in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of one’s counterpart.
* Mutual understanding and compassion, ability to go to each other for emotional support.
* Enjoyment of each other’s company
* Trust in one another
* Positive reciprocity – a relationship is based on equal give and take between the two parties.
* The ability to be oneself, express one’s feelings and make mistakes without fear of judgment.
People with a close network of friends live longer, have healthier brains, survive breast cancer better, survive heart disease better, and get less colds.
Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends can also:
* Increase you sense of belonging and purpose
* Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
* Improve your self-confidence and self-worth
* Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one
* Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise.
Reading about friendship made me consider my friendships and whether I’m as good a friend as I could be. (I could be better and plan to work on it).
Vicki L Mayfield, M.Ed., R.N., LMFT Marriage and Family Therapy Oklahoma City
If you would like to send a question to Vicki, email us at news@okcnursingtimes.com
