I sat down this week to watch my favorite all-time television series of four women whose friendships have taken them through the trials of this thing we call life. From dating, marriage, children, love, and loss; these four women stood by each other through it all. I wondered why I’ve always loved this series, and I came to realize it’s the friendship that they have in each other. It’s something that I keep missing in my own life.

As a younger version of myself, making friends and having those close relationships weren’t hard to come by, but as a much older version of myself, it seems impossible to achieve it. I have that there are fewer ways to be a friend than it is to live in seclusion. I spend more time alone than I do around others, more time alone driving to do errands. When did being alone become the new friendship?

 With so much time alone, I’ve turned to television to make up for what has been missing in life. I don’t think that I’m the only one who is able to identify what they want through the characters that are portrayed in television and movies. As unrealistic as that may sound, the truth is, friendships are a vital part of who we are as human beings.

The most beautiful part about pouring our time and energy into friendships is that not only do friends help enrich our lives, but we enrich theirs too! Friendships get us through the tough times in life, make things more fun and enjoyable, and all-around make our lives better. 

Having solid friendships is important for two main reasons. First, they make life more enjoyable. We get to share the beautiful aspects of life with people who enrich our everyday experiences. Second, our friends help us through the difficult times. Having friends to support us through hard times can make unimaginably difficult situations seem more tolerable, much like the four women that I have come to depend on every week.

Friendships have a major impact on health and well-being, but it’s not always easy to develop friendships. I find that many adults like myself find it hard to develop new friendships or keep up existing friendships. Friendships then take a back seat and often having to develop and maintain good friendships takes effort, but the enjoyment and comfort friendship can provide, however, makes the investment worthwhile. That’s what’s meant to be, and it’s quality that counts more than quantity. Even though it’s good to cultivate a diverse network of friends and acquaintances, there is a greater sense of belonging and well-being by nurturing close, meaningful relationships that will be supportive through thick and thin, just like the four women that I find at times jealous over not having myself. I hope that the investment in developing friendships never becomes too late.