"We've always had this hierarchy of love with romantic love at the top and friendship seen as second class," Marisa G. Franco, author of "Platonic: How The Science of Attachment Can Help You Make — and Keep — Friends," told The Washington Post. "We are constantly fed the message that the romantic relationship is the only one that matters."
Both platonic and romantic relationships have immense benefits, but research suggests that strong friendships are a key factor in health, both mental and physical. In an interview with Medical News Today, Dr. Scott Kaiser, director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, revealed that poor social connections and isolation can be as detrimental to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and could increase your chances of dementia by 50%. Overall, to preserve and enhance your mental health, strengthening your bonds should be your main priority.
As Kaiser puts it, "Connection matters, but it's not just about sheer numbers — amassing the most possible friends on your favorite social media platform or in the real world — but about the quality of those connections and enjoying the invaluable benefits of meaningful, supportive relationships."
