The Power of Friendship: Insights on Building Strong Relationships from Lydia Denworth
Building strong relationships is essential for our well-being, but it’s not always easy. Whether you’re struggling to make new friends or deepen existing relationships, it helps to have some guidance from an expert. Lydia Denworth is a science journalist and the author of “Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond.” In a recent interview, she shared her insights on how to build strong relationships
The Importance of Friendship
According to Denworth, friendship is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for our health and well-being. “Friendship is really powerful,” she says. “It’s been shown to reduce stress, improve immunity, and even extend life expectancy.” Denworth argues that we need to prioritize friendship in our lives, just as we prioritize exercise and healthy eating.
Making New Friends
Making new friends can be challenging, especially as we get older. Denworth acknowledges that it takes effort and vulnerability to form new connections. “You have to put yourself out there,” she says. “You have to take risks.” She suggests finding common interests or activities that can serve as a starting point for building new friendships.
Maintaining Friendships
Maintaining friendships requires ongoing effort and communication. Denworth emphasizes the importance of reciprocity in friendships. “It’s not just about what you get from the friendship; it’s also about what you give,” she says. She advises checking in with friends regularly and being present for them in times of need.
Dealing with Friendship Changes
Friendships can change over time, and that’s okay. Denworth notes that it’s natural for some friendships to fade while others deepen. “It’s important not to take it personally,” she says. She suggests focusing on the friendships that are stable, positive, and cooperative, rather than worrying about the ones that disappear.
The Power of Friendship
Despite its challenges, friendship has the power to transform our lives. “Friendship is an extraordinary bond,” says Denworth. “It’s something that humans have evolved to do because it’s so important for our survival and well-being.” By prioritizing friendship and investing in strong relationships, we can reap the benefits of this fundamental bond.
In conclusion, building strong relationships takes effort and vulnerability, but it’s essential for our health and well-being. By following the insights of experts like Lydia Denworth, we can learn how to make new friends, maintain existing friendships, and deal with changes in our social circles. Whether we’re forging new connections or deepening existing ones, friendship has the power to transform our lives for the better.
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