Democracy Dies in Darkness

Want to be healthier? Hang out with your friends.

For better health, tending to your friendships is as important as getting to bed early or eating well

By
Updated February 12, 2024 at 4:16 p.m. EST|Published January 9, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. EST
An illustration of two women walking two dogs. Their legs are oversized, spanning the whole width of the illustration.
(Chelsea Conrad/The Washington Post)
7 min

One of the more surprising findings in the science of relationships is that both romance and friendship often start the same way — with a spark.

But, what happens next? Often, we place our romantic partners above all else and ask our friends to wait in the wings, say relationship experts. Yet, a growing body of research shows friends are essential to a healthy life — and they are just as important for our well-being as healthy eating habits or a good night’s sleep.