We often don't make friendships a priority, but a growing body of science shows that quality, close friendships not only boost our mental health but physically change our bodies!!

Lydia Denworth is a science writer who's been examining the monumental health benefits of friendship for years now. As someone who has often been guilty of neglecting friendships, this conversation blew my mind.

Lydia explains how good friendships are the key to living longer, the incredible impact they have upon us physically and how we can make and maintain the kinds of close friendships that can actually be much more life enhancing than the romantic relationships we often prioritise.

PSA: The podcast is now also available on ⁠Youtube⁠ & as a video podcast on ⁠Spotify⁠ if you'd like to see our smiling faces while you listen!

This episode is brought to you by YouFoodz, for $200 of your first 5 boxes use the code HELPFUL or order via ⁠this link⁠.

If you like this episode, you'll love this one with Dr Melanie Mills on ⁠How to Become a Friend Making Machine⁠!

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BOOK

Friendship: The Evolution, Biology and Extraordinary Power of Life's Fundamental Bond

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:27 Why Lydia started to become interested in the science behind friendships

00:04:16 Why scientists started to pay attention to friendships

00:09:26 How friendship changes you physically

00:11:37 Why you should make friendship a priority

00:12:25 How friendship ebbs & flows throughout our lives

00:19:48 Friendship can be just as fulfilling as romantic relationships

00:21:44 How to make new friends

00:28:00 Should we hold onto long term friends just because we've known them for so long?

00:33:50 How to be a good friend

00:35:41 How has the research changed how Lydia approaches friendship?

00:41:47 The one thing to know about friendship

00:43:00 How many friends do you really need?