Science says: you should see real girlfriends every two weeks

I always think: if you really want to see someone, you will see someone. Whether you have six kids, juggle three jobs, or have to run a marathon every day for yourself.

Not having time is not an excuse. Not feeling like it is even less so.

Friendships can sometimes be very complicated and sometimes not at all. According to researchers, we have an average of five best friends who are very close to us and a total of about 150 people with whom we have regular contact. But the happiness that a friendship brings mainly lies in that real-life contact with those five besties. If you spend real time with them, with those who are so dear to you, then your brain produces endorphins, a substance that simply makes you happier.

And then you really need to make time to see each other face to face. Because if you see each other every 15 days, the chances are greatest that that close friendship will remain and not fade away, scientists say. And if you want to know: always respond within 24 hours to a message or call, that keeps things nice and friendly. Also proven.

Moreover, friends are very good for your health. The endorphins in your brain give your immune system a boost. The facts are there. Older people would live 22 percent longer if they have a large social network, and older people who are very lonely have twice the chance of developing dementia. Well, I believe in that. Friends make your life colorful, cozy, cheerful, and... they make every day a wine-drinking day. They bring some fun to bridge. Some playfulness to golf. Also not entirely unimportant.

As I said: friendship can be very simple if you just follow the rules. I'm going to grab my agenda now. Who haven't I seen in 14 days... I will make time for you, I promise. You too?

Source: Psych Central