It’s important for you!
And
It’s important for them!

The type of connection I am referring to references a caring, fun, supportive relationship with friends. These friendships feed your overall wellbeing.

Its not something that just happens without a bit of effort. Like anything worthwhile, it takes nurturing and a commitment in time and energy.

I recently spoke with someone who claimed that she had no friends and got all the social interaction she needed from work and working with colleagues and clients and also from the cashier at her local supermarket!

That, she claimed was “all I need – since Covid lockdown and everything!”

I expanded the conversation to the “and everything”, by asking “what’s everything?” and I got a blank stare in response – “you know…” she replied!

I didn’t, and neither did she.

I then asked if she had friends before the events of 2020. “Yes, a few!”, was the expected and offered answer. I built on this by asking if she missed the people and was told, “I hadn’t really thought about it… like that!”

Further conversation led to her confessing that friendship and the connection with her friends had provided laughter and a reason to go out and do stuff, having fun and sometimes just sharing in each other’s life experiences. Furthermore, now that she was thinking about it and considering the “and everything!” she realised that she had a vast void in her life. The type of void caused by having no meaningful social connection.

She committed to contacting her old friends to see about reconnecting after all this time. Please remind me in a couple of months to check in with her to see how she is doing with that.

When we parted ways after our coffee conversation, I swear I could see a spring in her step and the goodbye hug I got was warmer than the hello one! Or maybe I’m just imagining it. But I felt better too! Funny that!

Here are 17 reasons why meaningful social connection is important, and why you should go and get that connection if you don’t already have it.

1. Emotional Support – Friends provide comfort during difficult times.
2. Reduced Stress – Talking to friends helps relieve stress and anxiety.
3. Improved Mental Health – Social connections lower the risk of depression.
4. Increased Happiness – Meaningful friendships boost overall life satisfaction.
5. Better Physical Health – Strong relationships have been linked to lower blood pressure and a healthier heart.
6. Longevity – People with strong social networks tend to live longer.
7. Enhanced Self-Esteem – Friends uplift and reinforce positive self-worth.
8. Shared Joy – Celebrating successes is better with friends.
9. Support Through Challenges – Friends help navigate difficult situations.
10. Encouragement to Grow – They inspire you to improve and reach your potential.
11. Healthy Coping Mechanisms – Social support helps develop resilience.
12. Stronger Sense of Belonging – Being valued by friends gives a sense of purpose.
13. Meaningful Conversations – Deep discussions enrich emotional intelligence.
14. Opportunities for Learning – Friends expose you to new perspectives.
15. Accountability – They help you stay on track with goals.
16. Fun & Laughter – Shared moments of humor brighten life.
17. Protection Against Isolation – Friendships combat loneliness

There’s a significance in the number 17, if you know about the “17 minutes, more or less” habit that we build on in growing our “You Quotient”!