Riza and the power of close friends

At Riza, we know from experience - and can affirm based on what scientists have learned - that good friends make us healthier - in body, mind and spirit.

Psychological research tells us that stable, healthy friendships are crucial for our well-being. People who have friends and close confidants are more satisfied with their lives, less likely to suffer from depression (The American Journal of Psychiatry) and are happier and even healthier (Psychology Today). Having social connections is one of the most reliable predictors of a long, healthy, and satisfying life. “In the face of life’s challenges, having a close friend to turn to seems to be a buffer or protective factor against some of the negative outcomes we might otherwise see,” said Catherine Bagwell, PhD, a professor of psychology at Davidson College in North Carolina.

We all think of friends as being good for our spirits and maybe even our minds, but friends are also good for our physical health. A good (more than an ambivalent) friend can actually help us lower our blood pressure reactivity by supporting us in times of stress (Annals of Behavioral Medicine). One study showed that having no friends or low-quality friends is worse for your health than smoking 20 cigarettes a day. Having friends - and the quality of our friendships - matter. 

While there are many types of friendships, at Riza we are specifically interested in our closest bonds of connection. Did you know that maintaining between 3 and 5 close friends is a good predictor of a healthier, happier, and more satisfying life? It turns out that one of the best things we can do for ourselves is to take the time and effort - and it does take time and effort - to nourish deeper and more intimate friendships.

We hope that you will use and help us improve the Groves feature in Riza so you can genuinely foster those close and caring bonds that all of us need to grow. As we like to say, Riza is not a place where I share my best self with everyone, but where I share my whole self with my best people. 

To learn more about the power of connection and community, visit this article from the American Psychological Association.