Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
If recent months have taught society anything, it's that people should not take friendships and social time for granted. With social distancing becoming a new buzzword—and a new way of life—it's forced most people to reconsider how they can be a friend from afar.
According to a study conducted by Cigna—even before COVID-19 struck—more than half of Americans reported feeling lonely. While few numbers or studies can identify if that number increased or not during the pandemic's most stringent restrictions, it's alarming that so many people feel that way.
Of course, there are things you can do to help build and maintain friendships. Help Guide recommends focusing on the other person (or people), listening more, muting distractions and making time for the other person. The excuse of being too busy is one that can ruin a friendship—schedule time to get dinner, go for a walk and spend time together.
Most people know how to be a good friend, but do you know the science behind friendships and why they're important? Take this quiz, and be sure to enter at the end to win a Minky Couture blanket!
