The Upside to Ranking Your Friends: A Surprising Benefit for Mental Health
In a surprising twist on traditional friendship dynamics, research suggests that ranking friends can have a positive impact on mental health in adulthood. According to a recent study, having a clear hierarchy of friendships can actually boost emotional well-being and reduce stress.
For Derek Gregory, a 56-year-old content creator from Denver, this concept is not new. He has maintained a close friendship with Ringo, who currently lives in Australia, despite the nearly two-decade-long distance between them. "Ringo was always someone I could talk to about anything," Gregory said in an interview. "He's big and expressive and larger than life... he fell in love with things and people and ideas and music and whatever it was that he was into at the time."
Gregory's friendship with Ringo is a prime example of what researchers call a "core" or "best" friend relationship. These relationships are characterized by deep emotional intimacy, trust, and a sense of security. Studies have shown that having one or two core friendships can be just as beneficial for mental health as having multiple acquaintances.
In fact, research published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that people with strong social connections, including close friends, tend to experience lower levels of stress and anxiety. "Having a clear hierarchy of friendships can actually help us prioritize our relationships and focus on nurturing those that are most important," said Dr. Laura Carstensen, director of the Stanford Center on Longevity.
So, how can you start ranking your friends? According to experts, it's not about labeling or categorizing people as "best" or "worst." Rather, it's about recognizing and prioritizing relationships that bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging into our lives. "It's about being intentional with the time and energy we invest in our friendships," said Dr. Carstensen.
In addition to prioritizing core friendships, experts recommend taking steps to maintain and nurture these relationships over time. This can include scheduling regular check-ins, engaging in shared activities, and showing appreciation for one another.
As for Gregory and Ringo, their friendship has endured despite the distance between them. "We've been through ups and downs together," Gregory said. "And even though we're not in the same room, I feel like he's still there with me."
Background:
Friendships play a crucial role in our mental health and well-being, particularly in adulthood. Research has shown that strong social connections can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving overall quality of life.
Additional Perspectives:
While ranking friends may seem counterintuitive to traditional notions of friendship, experts argue that it's essential for prioritizing relationships that bring joy and support into our lives. "It's not about labeling or categorizing people," said Dr. Carstensen. "It's about being intentional with the time and energy we invest in our friendships."
Current Status:
As research continues to uncover the benefits of ranking friends, experts recommend taking steps to prioritize core relationships and nurture them over time. By doing so, individuals can reap the rewards of strong social connections and improve their overall mental health.
Next Developments:
Future studies will aim to explore the long-term effects of prioritizing friendships on mental health outcomes. In the meantime, experts encourage individuals to focus on building and maintaining meaningful relationships in their lives.
*Reporting by Vox.*
