"Lately, I've started noticing the importance of friendship in my life. This comes at an unheard-of time of change, disruption, and societal trauma. While it may not be surprising that I'm personally feeling the importance of a few close, deep friends ('heart friends'), it spurred me into thinking about how others are faring at this time and how close, bonded friendships may help us. In fact, friendships are positively correlated with emotional well-being, which we all could use more of right now."
"How are you holding up right now? For most of us, this is a loaded question. Many of us have recently found ourselves on a giant ship that felt like it is perilously close to sinking, heading toward a hurricane. How do we navigate the rough and scary waters, seemingly filled with sharks and serpents, and waves that threaten to swallow you whole?"
Introversion does not preclude a need for close friendships or 'heart friends.' Close, bonded friendships provide emotional support and correlate positively with emotional well-being, especially during periods of societal disruption and personal change. People facing collective crises may benefit from relying on a select few trusted companions rather than navigating stress alone. Social closeness exists on a continuum from acquaintances to deeply bonded friends, and cultivating deeper ties can offer refuge amid uncertainty. Overcoming rejection sensitivity and working through fears of closeness can be difficult but can yield meaningful connection and emotional resilience.
Read at Psychology Today
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