Monday Morning Motivational Message - What are Friends For?

Are there any benefits to having friends? What about the advantages of being a friend?

In 1985, singer Dionne Warwick released the album Friends. The song, That's What Friends Are For, is on the album sung by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. 

The refrain of the song  is: 

"Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for"

According to an October 15, 2024 article by the Mayo Clinic, Friendships: Enrich Your Life And Improve Your Health, good friends are good for your overall well-being. They celebrate the good times and support you in the bad times. 

Friends can also:

- Raise your sense of belonging, connection, and purpose

- Boost your happiness and reduce your stress level

- Improve your self-confidence and sense of belonging

- Help you cope with tragedy such as divorce, death, or job loss

- Urge you to have good habits  

- Lower your risk of health problems such as depression, high blood pressure, and being overweight

Being a good friend means being a support network in good and bad times. You can't just be a "good-time friend." The most important and solid relationships are built during adversity.

If the recent COVID pandemic taught us anything, it's how much we need each other. We are social beings who need connection with others to be happy and healthy.

As Dionne Warwick and friends  sang in the song, That's What Friends Are For," surround yourself with people that allow you to 'keep smilin and keep shinin.' But also make sure you are the type of person who allows your friends to do the same.

Leave me a comment about your thoughts on the benefits of friendships. Your insights and opinions are valuable, and I enjoy hearing from you.