stress levels and even a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Research from UCLA suggests that women who have support from female friends during stressful times may live longer than those who don't. One study of women diagnosed with breast cancer even found that participants with 10 or more friends had a higher survival rate and lower recurrence rate than those without close female friendships. Lastly, research has shown that the average female friendship lasts 16 years, which is six years longer than the average romantic relationship. Moreover, after women turn 55, our friendships last 23 years on average, proving the term “soul mates” may better apply to lifelong friends.
All of this to say that nurturing and maintaining friendships with the women in our life isn’t just something nice to do – it’s necessary to live a healthy, fulfilling life. As our lives change, don’t forget to prioritize quality time with the women you love most, whether that means a weekly phone call, dedicated girls’ nights or even just linking up in the minutiae of everyday life like neighborhood walks or folding laundry together. Life is always better with friends.
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