The importance of having friends in the light of science: the good it does for us and the years it adds to our lives

I am often asked “How do you handle so many consecutive parties?” The last time they did that, less than a month ago, I tried to come up with an intelligent answer based on my life experience. While I was refilling my glass with white wine, at the house of some old friend, my mind barely asleep, my body wracked with December overeating, he developed a theory that excited—and almost convinced—those who questioned me. “I can handle myself very well, because I feel compensated for the good I do when I’m with my friends, talking and laughing and dancing.” Of course, walking, the gym, and a more balanced diet, on days when there’s no partying, also help keep me in a good mood (but that’s not what I’m calling for here).

I truly believe in this imbalance/balance that friendship provides. But does science support this empirical conviction? After a lot of research, reading studies, interviewing experts, talking to friends and observing, check the result and draw your conclusions – not everyone has to be a social exaggerator, like me.