An Introduction: The Friendship Issue

Friendship plays an important role in our well-being that can hardly be overstated. In fact, according to the longest running study on human happiness (an 85-year longitudinal experiment at Harvard), the number-one predictor of human happiness is “positive relationships.”[1]

This probably isn’t a fact that surprises many of us. People spend lots of energy chasing money and possessions and status, but I believe if you asked people what they want more than anything else, most people would respond with some form of answer focused on relationships.

Despite the importance of these connections, many of us find it challenging to build and maintain meaningful friendships in today’s fast-paced, increasingly digital world. This is why we chose friendship as the theme for this issue of Simplify Magazine.

In this issue we explore facets of friendship in a number of different—but always inspirational—ways.

You’ll discover advice on forming friendships (both as adults and for kids), encouragement toward the timeless values that nurture meaningful connections, and strategies to overcome challenges that can hinder those relationships. From childhood friendships to those we develop later in life, the articles in this issue span the entire spectrum of friendship.

We’ve brought together best-selling authors, professors, psychologists, friendship experts, and even a great cook to offer insights and wisdom in a practical way. This issue is theoretical at times, helping us understand the nature of friendship. But it is also incredibly practical, offering specific tips we all need to hear (and practice) today and tomorrow and the day after that.

More than anything, I hope this issue inspires you to make friendship a priority and healthy relationships a reality.

We’re with you on this journey, every step of the way,

Joshua Becker, Founder of Simplify Magazine

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