5 Benefits Of Having Friends

Some friendships are casual and short lived, and some other people meet and form deep connections that last for years to come. As is always the situation with most things, having friends is not always an easy task. However, maintaining a healthy group of friends is worth the stress, and finally having friends makes one's life easier and better. For some, the main advantage of having a friend is to have a feeling of safety. Having someone to share our feelings and thoughts with when we are having a bad day or something personal happens to us makes it much easier to deal with. The key advantages of having friends include:

* Mirror

Most people tend to pick friends that are similar to themselves in thinking and actions. Taking note of this, it is safer to say then that the kind of friends we have plays a very large part in helping us get to know ourselves better. Since friends are meant to be like-minded people, they can help us figure out what our goals and dreams are and help by encouraging us to stay on the right track while we chase our dreams.

* Shoulder

In most times when we find ourselves in trouble, many people tend to turn to their friends for support, choosing them over family members. In truth, good friends can help you cope with the traumas of life events, which include illness, divorce, loss of a job or the death of a loved one. Friends can provide us with a strong shoulder to support us when we are heartbroken. With friends that will always be there for us when we need them comes a greater peace of mind, because we know that no matter what life throws at us our friends will always be there for us.

* Keep Us On Track

Very few strangers will tell you what you need to know out of politeness, but friends step in and tell you things the way they are. Since your friends know your ins and outs, they are in a better position to be able to spot things that you cannot see or those you choose to overlook. True friends have no problem telling you the truth, because they trust you will take their words seriously. Everyone needs a reality check once in a while and who better to give us that than those close to us. They also point out unhealthy lifestyles and habits and encourage us to avoid or change them till we do.

* Feel Comfortable

When you have friends you are comfortable around, there is no need to shy or hide your emotions, because you can be yourself around them. They are the ones you feel comfortable changing your clothes around, sleeping in the same room and be carefree.

* Social Circle

Friends will introduce you to people you might have otherwise not have met. When you have friends that love socializing and meeting new people, you get the opportunity to expand your social circle. In most cases they are always eager to introduce you to someone they met and who they believe would be perfect for you.