14 Quotes That Remind Us Why Friendship Matters

You might be an extrovert, introvert, or somewhere in between. Regardless, friendship remains a healthy part of life for most people. Not only can spending time with friends improve a person’s mood, it can also affect mental and physical health. Connecting with others seems to be one key to a healthy mind and body.

So don’t hesitate to show appreciation for the friends who keep you healthy. You can share any of these friendship quotes on social media. Or keep one for yourself as a reminder to be grateful for the friendships in your life!

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“Friendship isn’t a big thing. It’s a million little things.” -Unknown

“You astonish and amaze me—the way you can take a rainy day and make it glisten with diamonds.” -Unknown

“If I can see pain in your eyes, then share with me your tears. If I can see joy in your eyes, then share with me your smile.” -Santosh Kalwar

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” -R.J. Palacio

“There are people in your life whom you unknowlingly inspire simply by being you.” -Unknown

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What? You, too? I thought I was the only one.'” -C.S. Lewis

“Sometimes it’s a form of love just to talk to somebody that you have nothing in common with and still be fascinated by their presence.” -David Byrne

“You are a piece of the puzzle of someone else’s life. You may never know where you fit, but others will fill the holes in their lives with pieces of you.” -Bonnie Arbor

“Some days you will be the light for others, and some days you will need some light from them. As long as there is light, there is hope, and there is a way.” -Jennifer Gayle

“The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention.” -Rachel Naomi Remen, PhD

“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life: some familiar to us, and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures.” -Bryant H. McGill

“Be with those who bring out the best in you, not the stress in you.” -Unknown

“It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.” -Stephen Hawking

Friendship can help people feel connected and allow for the sharing of thoughts and emotions. It may even contribute to a longer lifespan! Without close friendships, isolation and feelings of loneliness can lead to mental health issues such as depression. Studies indicate that people with less social connection may have weaker immune systems and physical health. Other studies show that currently, people report having fewer friends they can confide in than in past years. 

There are many reasons a person may have fewer friendships. They may have physical or mental health issues that prevent them from meeting others. Some people might have difficulty with social interaction. This can be due to shyness, social anxiety, autism, or another condition. Others simply prioritize different areas of their life and feel they have little time to invest in friendships.

If you feel a lack of friendship is affecting your mental health, help is available. Speaking with a therapist is one way to work on issues that make friendship difficult. A therapist may help you learn how to meet your personal needs for social connection or share some strategies for making friends. They might help with social skills, time management, or offer guidance in addressing recurring issues that may have harmed past friendships.

References:

1. Britt, R. R. (2006, June 23). Americans lose touch, report fewer close friends. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/846-americans-lose-touch-report-close-friends.html
2. Liebendorfer, A. (2012). Just between friends: What sets friendship apart from our other relationships—and why it matters. Retrieved from https://www.ohio.edu/research/communications/Friendship.cfm

The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.