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! CONNECT WITH US Connect with ⁠That's Helpful⁠ on Instagram. Find Lydia on Facebook, ⁠Instagram⁠ & via ⁠her website.⁠ BOOK Friendship: The Evolution, Biology and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - [email protected] 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?