An Australian study that
followed 1,500 people for 10 years found that having good friends helps people
live longer. Those with a large support network outlived those with the fewest
friends by a significant 22 percent. Another major study, this one from UCLA,
found that when women reached out to friends during an emotional crisis, they
coped better. One explanation (among many) is that the friendships triggered
oxytocin—the feel-good bonding hormone—in the body, reducing women’s cortisol
levels and combating stress.
