"The role of a friend is to be there for you when you're wrong, because anyone will be there for you when you're right." The value of friendship can be well defined in this simple but effective expression of the American writer Mark Twain. "Understanding the value of friendship means understanding the positive consequences it has on our health. Despite the fear of disappointments, distance or misunderstandings, having friends means always having support. Their presence, advice or having someone to cry or laugh with actually helps us feel stronger when we have to face difficulties," explain the experts at Guidapsicologi.it.

A question arises spontaneously. How many friends do we need to be truly happy? Does the saying "little and exactly" apply? These questions were answered by a team of researchers from Fudan University in China. The study finds that during adolescence, a period in life during which many changes occur, social confirmations are needed, but not necessarily friendships.  

The perfect number of friends with whom you can share joys and sorrows would be five. "True friendships are built over time, but their positive effects last a long time. Friendship manifests itself day after day, in difficult but also positive moments and is not afraid of physical distance and time. According to a previous American study from Brigham Young University, the lack of social relationships causes serious health consequences similar to the consumption of tobacco or alcohol. To benefit from the beneficial effects of friendship, you must be able to distinguish real friends from casual acquaintances. "Better to avoid those friends who declare themselves as such within a few days and leave, as well as those who destroy your self-esteem through unconstructive criticism," the experts conclude.

Source: Elle