Many empty nesters have failed to build healthy social networks because they haven’t invested the time. Most middle-class parents have been “intensively involved” in their children’s lives in the last 60 years and continue to laser focus on their young adults, says Annette Lareau, author of Unequal Childhoods: Class, Race, and Family Life. That leaves little time… Continue reading Upgrading Your Friendship Network in Midlife
Tag: Friendship
6 Qualities of Extraordinary Friendships
Numerous scientific studies show that developing friendships is an essential ingredient to a healthy life. But few people are intentionally trying to avoid heart disease or improve their blood pressure when they seek out, or stumble into, new friendships. Instead, they just want someone to hang out with, confide in or trust in times of… Continue reading 6 Qualities of Extraordinary Friendships
5 Ways to Stop Seeking Approval from People Who Don’t Accept You
It is fascinating how often we crave the acceptance and approval of those who won’t accept us. It is an unhealthy pattern to continually pursue people who reject us. We do this because we see our lovability as directly related to their approval so we keep trying to be “better” or “do more.” We do… Continue reading 5 Ways to Stop Seeking Approval from People Who Don’t Accept You
When The Bank Account Is Full But The Soul Is Lacking
It’s second nature for many people to toil endlessly to achieve what the world at large considers a successful life.Yet success often is often fleeting and sometimes requires us to make decisions that aren’t in our best interests, says Frank P. Daversa, author of the book “Spirituality in the 21st Century.” “How many times has… Continue reading When The Bank Account Is Full But The Soul Is Lacking
Can Having a Lot of Friends Make You Healthier?
There are many benefits to being supported by a strong social network. But can having more friends actually make you healthier? Yes, according to research done at Concordia University in Monrtreal that shows that social relationships affect not only our mental but also our physical wellbeing. The study was published in January 2015 Annals of… Continue reading Can Having a Lot of Friends Make You Healthier?
Time to Be Grateful – It’s Thank You Month!
Editor’s note: When it comes to giving thanks, most of us automatically think of the Thanksgiving holiday. But of course, that’s not the only time we should be grateful for the gifts we get from others, whether that’s a fabulous birthday gift or emotional support when we need it. Here, etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore shares… Continue reading Time to Be Grateful – It’s Thank You Month!
Friends and Your Health
Friendships can have a major impact on your health and well-being, but it’s not always easy to build or maintain friendships. Understand the importance of friendships in your life and what you can do to develop and nurture friendships.
What are the benefits of friendships?
Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Friends can also:
Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
Do You Still Need a BFF?
Celebrity best friends Barbra Streisand and Donna Karan have famously continued their close connection with one another for over 20 years. Babs, who will turn 70 in April of 2012, recently took the stage at the Dream Foundation's annual gala to present the evening's award to the 64-year-old creator of DKNY clothing labels for her tireless work in helping grant wishes for the terminally ill.