Having supportive, loving, and caring friends in a world fraught with hypocrites and fake people disguised as friends is a true blessing. Real friends bring happiness to one’s life. False friends, on the other hand, can ruin your life completely. It’s imperative to choose your friends carefully. Find friends who walk the talk and show their care through their actions. A true friend will never forsake, judge, or hurt you deliberately. On the contrary, real friends are loyal, trustworthy, truthful, respectful, kind, and considerate. Good friends are like gems, and they will always do anything to make you smile, happy, and comfortable when things go south.
Why should I choose my friends carefully?
Here are 5 scientific reasons why you should choose your friends wisely
1. Inadequate social interaction equates to more significant financial risks
According to research published in a 2013 edition of the Journal of Consumer Research, having fewer friends can make you vulnerable to poor financial decisions. Researchers discovered that those with inadequate social interactions experienced loneliness, felt rejected, and had uncomfortable emotions. Resultantly, they’re more likely to spend their money recklessly in pursuit of happiness and contentment.
2. Close confidants help you live longer.
A 2005 research by Australia’s Flinders’ University researchers discovered that having a large network of good friends is the key to longevity. The study found that those individuals with many good friends outlived those with a small network of true friends by about 22%. Good friends are more likely to help you overcome depression, anxiety, and stress, thus boosting your immunity significantly. Apart from adding immense value to your overall health, good friends make you feel happier, peaceful, and confident. All these can help you live longer.
3. Strong-willed friends can elevate your self-control and self-discipline.
Hanging around strong-willed friends can help increase your self-control and self-discipline tremendously as per a 2013 Psychological Science report. Surrounding yourself with highly disciplined friends can add value to you, particularly if you succumb to temptations and pressure easily. To succeed in life, you need high levels of self-control, self-discipline, and strong-willpower to make positive things happen. Consider befriending people who influence your spending habits and short or long-term goals positively.
4. Extreme social media networking can be stressful.
Having too many social media friends can have a negative impact on your life, according to a study by the University of Edinburg Business School. Trying to fit in can cause you numerous sleepless nights due to stress. Most people are unreal as far as social media is concerned. People fake it all the time to impress their peers online. The more you try to convince your social media contacts to accept you, the more you become vulnerable to excess stress and anxiety. In some cases, some people experience extreme cyber-bullying leading to depression or even suicide.
5. Friends can influence your decisions significantly.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research in 2014 discovered that friends could greatly influence your choices in one way or the other. As they say, “show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are, and birds of a feather flock together. “Some friends are right for you, while others will lead you astray without you even noticing. With that in mind, it’s imperative to consider surrounding yourself with people who ooze positive vibes only. Remember, no one has ever become successful by keeping the wrong company.
Conclusion
Choose your close confidants wisely lest you find yourself swimming in shark-infested waters.
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