The Greatest Gift of All: Friendship

A special thing that some of us take for granted is our friendships. Friendships are the one thing in our lives that brings richness, comfort and pretty much all of the above. VALLEY wants to share why you should cherish your friendships and be grateful for them.

Having close, strong friendships can be very healthy for your emotional health and your well being. As humans, we need some personal connections in our lives because it’s good to have a bond with someone who truly understands you.

To Help Cope

Friends can be there for you when you need someone to talk to or just need some emotional support. It can be hard to open up about how you’re feeling sometimes, so it is nice to have someone to just listen and not judge you. They can help comfort you in stressful times or even when you are dealing with loss. It feels nice to have someone by your side that you can count on.

Being Happy

Friendships can give you a sense of belonging and also a lot of joy. It’s nice to have one friend, a small group or a large friend group where you can all laugh together and also boost your dopamine levels. It feels good to let loose with your friends and just feel like you are all in the right place together, which can feel like home.

It’s like when you get that feeling where you are laughing so hard with your friends, where you start to tear up a little, and just think about how grateful you are to be a part of a group where you feel like you belong. Your own little circle.

Far, Yet Closer

Long-distance friendships can be very challenging and really sad. Going long distance can really test a friendship because, in the beginning, you guys might be calling all the time and updating each other on what’s going on in your lives. As time goes on, you might not call each other as often, and you may feel distant. 

Even if you feel like your friendship is slowly fading away, it’s not. Sometimes, calling each other once every few weeks or even once every few months can bring you closer. Just because you aren’t texting or calling every day, doesn’t mean you guys still aren’t close. It means you have a mutual respect that the distance doesn’t matter, it is about the experiences you shared and the loyalty you have for each other. Don’t take long-distance friendships for granted.

Friendships are rare and sometimes not easy to come by. Finding others with whom you have a mutual understanding can become so genuine and beautiful.

Don’t forget to tell your besties that you are thankful for them, tag us @VALLEYmag on X, and let us know why you are thankful for your friends.

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