The Science of Friendship: How Authentic Bonds Strengthen Longevity and Happiness

Article Content

1. The Biological Imperative: How Your Brain is Wired for Connection

2. Part I: The Foundation of Frientimacy (The Core Principles)

   1. Chapter 1: The Positivity Principle ,  Cultivating the 5:1 Joy Ratio

   2. Chapter 2: The Consistency Principle ,  Logging Your 'Frientimacy Hours'

   3. Chapter 3: The Vulnerability Principle ,  The Courage to Be Seen and Known

3. Part II: Practices for Each Pillar (Advanced Application)

   1. Practices that Support Positivity & Joy

   2. Practices that Support Consistency & Safety

   3. Practices that Support Vulnerability & Trust

4. Part III: The Ultimate Outcome (Health and Well-being)

   1. Chapter 10: Nurturing Friendships for Health and Happiness

5. The Journey Forward: Anchoring Your Life in Authentic Connection

Introduction

Have you ever felt surrounded by people yet deeply alone? It’s a common struggle in today’s busy world, where social networks grow but true connection often feels out of reach. When we don’t feel truly seen or safe in our friendships, our bodies and minds pay the price (Nelson, 2023).

This guide focuses on the quality of those bonds by utilizing the three essential ingredients Shasta Nelson calls the “frientimacy triangle”, Positivity, Consistency, and Vulnerability.

Clarifying the Connection Crisis

For a scientific understanding, it is important to distinguish between two concepts:

• Social Isolation: The objective state of having few social contacts or interactions.

• Loneliness: The subjective feeling of being disconnected or not having enough meaningful, quality contact (Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, 2025).

The current struggle is largely one of loneliness. This loneliness isn’t about the number of friends you have, it’s about the quality of those bonds.

The 3 Roadblocks to True Connection

To start this journey, it’s important to stop:

• Expecting more friends to fix loneliness without deepening existing connections.

• Settling for surface-level interactions that lack emotional safety.

• Avoiding vulnerability out of fear of judgment or rejection.

Instead, embrace the power of meaningful friendships as a source of strength and joy. Your well-being depends on it, and the path to connection is within your reach.

The Biological Imperative: How Your Brain is Wired for Connection

Understanding the science behind friendship reveals how authentic bonds can transform your life, boosting happiness and even extending your lifespan.

Neurobiological Rewards and Reinforcement

Positive social interaction is not merely enjoyable; it is biologically rewarding. During moments of genuine connection:

• Oxytocin Release: Trust, attachment, and reduced fear/anxiety are fostered by the release of Oxytocin, often called the "cuddle" or "tend-and-befriend" hormone (Stanford Medicine, 2017). This hormone is critical for the early formation and selectivity of peer relationships (UC Berkeley, 2025).

• Dopamine Activation: Positive social contact triggers the release of Dopamine in the brain’s reward centers (e.g., nucleus accumbens), motivating the individual to seek out more socializing (Stanford Medicine, 2017). This neurochemical reinforcement validates why Positivity is so foundational.

  
  

Empathy and Mirror Neurons

The capacity for deep connection relies on the brain’s mirror system. These mirror neurons fire both when you perform an action and when you observe someone else performing the same action, or when experiencing their emotions. This system facilitates empathy and unconscious mimicry of expressions, solidifying the emotional bond (Greater Good Science Center, 2025).

Part I: The Foundation of Frientimacy (The Core Principles)

Chapter 1: The Positivity Principle ,  Cultivating the 5:1 Joy Ratio

True friendships begin with positivity. This means creating an environment where kindness, empathy, and joy are the norm. Positivity is not about ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect; it’s about ensuring that the good moments outweigh the difficult ones. Shasta Nelson highlights that healthy relationships thrive on a ratio of five positive interactions for every negative one. She explains, “Every relationship, to stay healthy, has to have a ratio of five positive interactions for every negative one,” creating a rewarding and uplifting bond (Nelson, 2023). This balance nurtures feelings of acceptance and happiness, which is biochemically reinforced by Dopamine, making people want to spend more time together.

Why it matters: Positivity is the foundation of trust and emotional safety. When you consistently bring warmth and encouragement to your interactions, you invite others to do the same, creating a cycle of mutual support and joy.

How it works: Positivity can be expressed through smiles, genuine compliments, acts of kindness, and active listening. It’s about making your friends feel valued and appreciated, which strengthens the bond over time. A "negative interaction" can be defined as any criticism, complaint, or expression of disregard.

• Example 1: Imagine you meet a colleague for coffee. Instead of focusing on complaints about work, you share a funny story or express appreciation for something they did. This light, positive energy makes the interaction enjoyable and memorable.

  
  

• Example 2: When a friend shares good news, respond with enthusiasm and curiosity. Ask questions like, “That’s amazing! How did it happen?” This shows you care deeply about their happiness. Psychologist Shelly Gable notes that “active-constructive” responses, enthusiastic support and authentic interest, reliably strengthen relationships (Gable, 2023).

  
  

Action Step:

• Start small: In your next conversation, aim to offer at least five positive comments or affirmations for every one complaint or criticism.

• Practice active appreciation: Keep a mental note or journal of things you genuinely appreciate about your friends or acquaintances. Share these observations regularly.

• Use tools: Set reminders on your phone to check in with friends with a positive message or a simple “thinking of you” note. Apps like WhatsApp or Messenger make this easy and immediate.

Potential results: Over time, your relationships will feel lighter, more rewarding, and more inviting. People will naturally gravitate toward your warmth, and you’ll build a reputation as a source of joy and support.

Chapter 2: The Consistency Principle ,  Logging Your 'Frientimacy Hours'

Friendship flourishes when people show up, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Consistency means investing time and energy regularly, creating shared experiences and rituals that build trust and predictability. This step directly reinforces Positivity by creating continuous opportunities for positive interaction. Shasta Nelson calls this “hours logged,” the history that transforms acquaintances into true friends (Nelson, 2023).

Why it matters: Consistency builds safety. When you know someone will be there, you feel secure enough to open up and deepen the connection. Without it, even the most positive interactions can feel fleeting and superficial.

How it works: This step is about making friendship a priority. It’s not about grand gestures but about small, regular moments, weekly calls, monthly meetups, or even daily texts, that show you care and are reliable.

• Example 1: You join a weekly book club or hobby group where you see the same people regularly. Over time, these repeated interactions create a natural rhythm and familiarity that foster deeper bonds.

  
  

• Example 2: You set a recurring coffee date with a friend every two weeks. Even when life gets busy, you honor this commitment, signaling that the friendship matters.

  
  

Action Step:

• Create rituals: Identify one activity you can do regularly with a friend or group, like a weekly walk, a monthly dinner, or a shared online game night.

• Schedule it: Use your calendar to block out this time and treat it as non-negotiable.

• Be reliable: If you must reschedule, communicate clearly and promptly, and suggest an alternative time.

• Tools: Use calendar apps (Google Calendar, Outlook) and reminder apps to keep track of your commitments.

  
  

Potential results: Your friendships will gain depth and resilience. The shared history you build will create a sense of belonging and trust that withstands life’s ups and downs.

Chapter 3: The Vulnerability Principle,  The Courage to Be Seen and Known

Vulnerability is the bridge to intimacy. It means sharing your true self, your feelings, dreams, fears, and even your successes, with trusted friends. This stage relies heavily on the Consistency and emotional Safety established in the first two steps. Shasta Nelson explains that vulnerability is not just about revealing struggles but also about celebrating wins and asking for support. She says, “Vulnerability is where we share, where we reveal, where we let people in and let more of us be seen... It’s also talking about what’s going well and your successes and risk bragging to your friends” (Nelson, 2023). The release of Oxytocin during trust-building behavior helps mediate the perceived "risk" of this sharing (Stanford Medicine, 2017).

Why it matters: Without vulnerability, friendships remain surface-level. True connection requires risk, the risk of being seen and accepted as you are. This deep sharing fosters empathy, trust, and a profound sense of being understood.

How it works: Vulnerability grows gradually. It starts with small disclosures and builds as trust deepens. It’s a two-way street: sharing invites reciprocation, creating a safe space for both people.

• Example 1: You tell a friend about a recent challenge at work and how it made you feel uncertain. Your friend responds with empathy and shares a similar experience, strengthening your bond.

  
  

• Example 2: You share a personal goal or dream with a friend and ask for their encouragement. This act of openness invites support and deepens your connection.

  
  

Action Step:

• Start small: Choose one thing you feel comfortable sharing that reveals a bit more of your authentic self, whether it’s a feeling, a hope, or a recent experience.

• Observe responses: Notice how your friend reacts. Do they listen attentively? Do they share in return? This feedback helps you gauge the safety of the relationship.

• Ask for what you need: Practice articulating your needs clearly, whether it’s advice, a listening ear, or simply understanding.

• Tools: Journaling can help you clarify what you want to share. Apps like Day One or simple notebooks are great for this.

  
  

Potential results: As you practice vulnerability, your friendships will deepen, and you’ll feel more connected and supported. You’ll also build emotional resilience and self-acceptance.

Part II: Practices for Each Pillar (Advanced Application)

The following chapters detail specific practices that amplify the effects of Positivity, Consistency, and Vulnerability, making your friendships resilient and deep.

A. Practices that Support Positivity & Joy

Chapter 4: Mastering the Art of Active Listening, Show You Truly Care

Active listening is a critical component of Positivity and Vulnerability, as it communicates worth and creates a safe space for sharing. It is more than just hearing words; it’s about fully engaging with your friend’s experience. When you listen attentively, without interrupting or planning your response, you communicate respect and validation. This deepens trust and encourages openness, powered by the brain's mirror system.

Why it matters: People feel valued and understood when they are truly heard. This strengthens emotional bonds and makes friends feel safe to share more.

How it works: Use body language like nodding and eye contact, ask clarifying questions, and reflect back what you hear to confirm understanding. As Shasta Nelson advises, “Most importantly, listen to understand rather than to respond” (Nelson, 2023).

• Example: When a friend talks about a stressful day, instead of offering quick advice, you say, “It sounds like that was really tough. How did that make you feel?” This invites deeper sharing.

  
  

Action Step:

• The 90% Rule: In your next deep conversation, commit to listening for 90% of the time, dedicating your remaining 10% solely to clarifying questions that keep the focus on the speaker (e.g., "Tell me more about that," "How did that impact your decision?"). Avoid interrupting to insert your own anecdotes.

• Emotional Reflection Practice: When your friend shares an emotional state, practice reflecting back the emotion before responding: "It sounds like you felt frustrated and disappointed by that outcome. Is that right?" This uses verbal feedback to create an immediate feeling of being seen.

• Identify the Core Need: Instead of offering unsolicited advice, ask this key question after listening: "Do you need advice, or do you just need me to listen right now?"

Chapter 5: Celebrating Successes, Share in Each Other’s Joy

This is a powerful, yet often overlooked, manifestation of the Positivity principle. Acknowledging and celebrating your friend’s achievements, big or small, reinforces positivity and mutual support, triggering the Dopamine reward system for both people.

Why it matters: Celebrations create joyful memories and show that you care deeply about your friend’s happiness, reinforcing the critical 5:1 positive ratio.

How it works: Offer enthusiastic congratulations, plan small surprises, or simply listen and express genuine excitement. Psychologist Shelly Gable notes that how we respond to others’ good news may be even more important for relationship quality than how we respond to their challenges (Gable, 2023).

• Example: Send a thoughtful message or organize a casual get-together to honor a friend’s promotion or personal milestone.

  
  

Action Step:

• The Amplification Response: When a friend shares good news, resist the temptation to minimize or change the subject. Practice the "Active-Constructive" response: 1) Express genuine enthusiasm (e.g., "That's incredible!"). 2) Ask specific, high-energy follow-up questions (e.g., "What was the very first thing you did when you found out?").

• The Milestone Memory: Create a running list of your closest friends' professional and personal milestones (Special days, work anniversaries, running a marathon). Use this list to send customized, timely acknowledgements that show you remember their history.

• Co-Creation of Joy: Suggest planning a small, activity-based celebration for a friend's success (e.g., "Let's finally go to that expensive restaurant you wanted to try to celebrate your promotion").

B. Practices that Support Consistency & Safety

Chapter 6: Creating Shared Experiences, Build Memories Together

Shared experiences directly contribute to Consistency (logging hours) and build the necessary history for deeper Vulnerability. Doing activities together, especially new or meaningful ones, builds emotional closeness and strengthens the friendship's narrative.

Why it matters: These moments become the glue that holds friendships together, providing a sense of belonging and joy, ensuring the friendship lasts.

How it works: Plan activities that you both enjoy or try something new together, from hiking to cooking classes or attending events. Shasta Nelson notes, “Some of the strongest friendship bonds are forged through shared experiences, especially those involving novelty, challenge, or emotional intensity” (Nelson, 2023).

• Example: You and a friend sign up for a weekend workshop or take a spontaneous day trip, creating stories you’ll laugh about for years.

  
  

Action Step:

• Novelty Injection: Proactively suggest one new, challenging, or slightly outside-the-box experience to a friend this month (e.g., taking an amateur pottery class, attending a lecture on a new topic, or trying an unfamiliar cuisine). Novelty boosts memory formation and strengthens the bond (Nelson, 2023).

• Establish a Shared Media Ritual: Find a form of media you both enjoy (a weekly podcast, a streaming series, a book). Designate a specific time each week to discuss the content, creating a low-effort, consistent point of contact that builds shared context.

• The "Future Story" Log: When you finish an activity with a friend, note one funny or memorable quote or moment. Over time, review this log to remind yourself of the valuable shared history you've built.

  
  

Chapter 7: Practicing Proactive Invitation,  Take the Lead

Taking initiative demonstrates Consistency and fuels the process of logging “hours.” Waiting for others to initiate can stall friendships. Taking initiative shows you value the relationship and opens doors for deeper connection.

Why it matters: Proactive invitations create opportunities for interaction and signal your genuine interest, ensuring the Consistency of the connection.

How it works: Start with low-pressure invites like coffee or a walk, then gradually suggest longer or more personal activities. Shasta Nelson encourages, “One of the biggest barriers to friendship is simply waiting for the other person to make the first move” (Nelson, 2023).

• Example: Instead of saying, “We should hang out sometime,” say, “Would you like to grab lunch after work on Thursday?”

  
  

Action Step:

• The "Three-Deep" Invite System: For any potential friend or acquaintance, commit to sending a specific invitation with three follow-up options if the initial one is declined (e.g., "Thursday at 6 for coffee? No? How about Saturday morning at 10, or maybe a call next Tuesday?"). This eliminates the "maybe" and forces a concrete answer, saving time and energy.

• Reverse the Burden: When you invite a friend out, do the logistical work upfront. Send the invitation with the specific time, place (including a link to the location), and the reason for the invite, making it easy for the friend to simply say "yes."

• Track Your Initiative: Keep a rolling list of the last three friends you initiated contact with. If you notice the same names consistently, commit to moving a new name to the top of the list each month to broaden your circle of Consistency.

C. Practices that Support Vulnerability & Trust

Chapter 8: Boundaries: The Guardrails that Protect Consistency and Trust

Setting healthy boundaries is essential for maintaining respect and emotional safety, directly supporting both Consistency (by defining sustainable involvement) and Vulnerability (by establishing safety). They help prevent resentment and misunderstandings.

Why it matters: Clear boundaries allow both friends to feel comfortable and valued, fostering long-term trust, which is necessary for genuine Vulnerability.

How it works: Reflect on your needs and limits, communicate them kindly but firmly, and respect your friend’s boundaries as well. Dr. Paul Conti emphasizes, “Setting boundaries involves self-reflection, understanding one's own needs and desires, and communicating them effectively to others” (Conti, 2024).

• Example: You might say, “I really value our time, but I need to keep weekends free for family. Can we plan our catch-ups during the week?”

  
  

Action Step:

• The "Energy Drain" Triage: Identify one relationship where you feel emotionally drained. Define a specific boundary (e.g., "I will limit our intense conversations to 30 minutes, or I will avoid discussion of X topic"). Practice communicating this boundary using a firm but kind “I” statement.

• The Time Boundary Script: When a friend asks for time you don't have, use this script: "I really want to support you, but I am fully booked today. I can offer you 15 minutes right now, or we can schedule a full hour on Thursday. Which works better?" This protects your time while maintaining Consistency.

• Self-Reflection on Others' Needs: When a friend sets a boundary with you (e.g., "I can't talk about work tonight"), practice accepting it without pressing. Acknowledge the boundary immediately (e.g., "Totally understood, thanks for telling me") to reinforce their feeling of safety.

Chapter 9: Conflict with Compassion: Strengthening Bonds Through Mentalization

Conflict is natural in any relationship. Handling disagreements with empathy and openness strengthens the foundation built by Consistency and the trust required for Vulnerability. Constructive conflict resolution prevents resentment and builds emotional safety.

Why it matters: Conflict handled well can deepen trust rather than damage it, proving the relationship is resilient and reinforcing the safety needed for ongoing vulnerability.

How it works: Use “I” statements, listen without interrupting, seek to understand before responding, and aim for resolution rather than winning. Dr. Paul Conti explains that successful conflict resolution requires "mentalization," which is about understanding the other person's internal world: “Mentalization greases the progress of all things good. It is about actual understanding, feeling states, intentions” (Conti, 2024).

• Example: When upset, say, “I felt hurt when…” instead of blaming. Then listen to your friend’s perspective calmly.

  
  

Action Step:

• The Mentalization Pause: During a disagreement, commit to pausing and asking yourself, "What must it be like to be in their position right now, feeling that way?" before you respond. This is the core practice of mentalization, shifting focus from rebuttal to understanding.

• The Repair Plan: After any conflict, however small, create a concrete "repair plan" with your friend. This could be: "Let's check in again tomorrow," or "Next time this topic comes up, let's agree to pause the conversation." This reinforces Consistency and shows commitment to the bond.

• Use "I Feel" Statements Only: When initiating a difficult conversation, write down your complaint beforehand and rigorously rephrase it to eliminate all "You are" or "You did" statements. Focus only on how you felt or were impacted (e.g., "I felt unappreciated when X happened," instead of "You never appreciate me").

  
  

Part III: The Ultimate Outcome (Health and Well-being)

Chapter 10: Nurturing Friendships for Health and Happiness

Authentic friendships are not just emotionally fulfilling, they are essential for your physical and mental health. This final chapter emphasizes the outcome of prioritizing Positivity, Consistency, and Vulnerability in your life.

The Physiological Buffer

Investing in friendships is directly investing in your biological resilience. Strong social bonds act as a critical buffer against chronic stress. Loneliness and isolation activate the body's stress response (HPA axis), leading to chronic inflammation. This inflammation is the mechanism linking loneliness to cardiovascular disease, dementia, and accelerated aging (Brain Behav Immun Health, 2025). Conversely, social connection:

• Lowers Stress: Strong social ties modulate the stress response, lowering inflammatory markers.

• Boosts Immunity: Positive social connection is associated with a more functional immune system, better cellular immunity, and improved recovery from illness (NIH, 2025).

Shasta Nelson quotes Dr. Dean Ornish, who says, “I am not aware of any other factor in medicine that has a greater impact on our quality of life” (Nelson, 2023).

Why it matters: These connections act as a foundation for resilience and joy, potentially even slowing epigenetic aging (Brain Behav Immun Health, 2025).

How it works: Nurturing friendships means ongoing effort, celebrating successes, supporting through challenges, forgiving mistakes, and adapting to life changes. It’s about mutual care and commitment.

• Example 1: You celebrate a friend’s promotion with genuine enthusiasm and plan a small gathering to honor their achievement.

  
  

• Example 2: When a friend is going through a tough time, you check in regularly, offer help, and listen without judgment.

  
  

Action Step:

1. The Wellness Connection Audit & Goal Alignment

• Audit Your Allies (The Inventory): Make a list of your 3 to 5 closest friends. For each person, specifically list the 1-3 ways they currently contribute to your health and resilience (e.g., Reduces stress through humor, Encourages exercise, Provides objective perspective, Aids in conflict resolution).

• Identify a Need: Review your list to see which key wellness area might be lacking or could be significantly improved (e.g., consistency in exercise, need for daily stress reduction).

• Propose an Alliance (The Goal): Select one friend from your list whose contribution aligns with your identified need. Initiate a shared, small, and specific mutual wellness goal for a set time (e.g., "Let's commit to a 7-day 'No Work Talk' zone after 7 PM to reduce mental stress," or "Let's do 10 minutes of stretching together on a video call every M/W/F"). This integrates their existing positive influence into a concrete, consistent habit.

2. Resilience & Support Maintenance

• Practice Radical Forgiveness: Identify one minor, old grievance you’ve been holding onto in any key friendship. Consciously decide to let it go completely. This is a direct act of self-care (reducing the stress hormone cortisol) that also strengthens the emotional longevity of the bond.

• Be a Support Pillar: Make it a habit to proactively check in during difficult times, offering empathy and practical, needs-based help (e.g., instead of just "I'm here," try "I can drop off a meal or handle one chore for you this week").

• Celebrate Wins: Commit to acknowledging and celebrating your friends’ successes, big or small, as a vital part of the relationship's positive emotional reinforcement. Use the same tools used for goals (shared calendar, quick congratulatory message).

3. Adapt & Use Tools

• Adapt Your Connection: Recognize that life changes (moves, new jobs, family shifts) require a renegotiation of connection. Be flexible and patient, and proactively use shared tools (e.g., shared calendars, group chats) to coordinate your Wellness Alliance check-ins and Celebration moments.

  
  

Potential results: Your friendships will become a source of strength and joy, enriching your life and boosting your health in profound ways.

The Journey Forward: Anchoring Your Life in Authentic Connection

You have journeyed through the three essential pillars of Frientimacy: the warmth of Positivity, the reliability of Consistency, and the profound trust unlocked by Vulnerability.

Remember that building authentic friendships is not a race for perfection, but a steady, compassionate process. It's not about flawlessly hitting the 5:1 positive ratio every day or constantly sharing your deepest secrets. True progress is found in the small, consistent actions: honoring that coffee date, actively listening to a friend’s joy, or simply using an "I" statement during a conflict. These deliberate steps are what log your "frientimacy hours" and establish the emotional and neurochemical safety that lasts.

Your investment in these relationships is the most impactful health decision you can make, protecting you from stress and enriching your life with meaning. Be kind to yourself as you practice these skills; setbacks are just opportunities for deeper understanding and communication.

Your Invitation to Connection

The path to a happier, healthier life is built one small interaction at a time. To start anchoring your life in connection today, choose one of these pressure-free steps:

1. Reflect and Commit: Think about one friend you value. Can you identify one thing you genuinely appreciate about them? Send them a quick text expressing that appreciation (Positivity).

2. Schedule Small: Look at your calendar. Can you proactively suggest one specific, low-pressure hangout (a 15-minute walk, a virtual check-in) in the next two weeks? (Consistency).

Take that one step today. Your well-being is worth the effort, and the capacity for deep connection is already within you.

Ready to inspire someone else? Consider sharing this guide with a friend you’re working to connect with, or leave a comment below with one small action step you plan to take this week.

References

• Altais. (2025, February 7). The power of social connections. Altais: Shaping the Future of Healthcare. https://altais.com/blog/power-social-connections/

  
  

• Brain Behav Immun Health. (2023). Loneliness, social isolation, and chronic inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 114(2), 22-38. https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/20188/2/FullText.pdf

  
  

• Andrew Huberman. (2023, September 20). Interview with Dr. Paul Conti: How to build and maintain healthy relationships [Video]. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMqWH3LYiII

  
  

• Gable, S. (2025, April 22). How to make a best friend: 15 science-backed steps. Science of People. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/how-to-make-a-best-friend/

  
  

• Greater Good Science Center. (n.d.). Empathy. Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved December 15, 2025, from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/empathy

  
  

• TEDx Talks. (2017, December 15). Interview with Shasta Nelson: Frientimacy: The 3 requirements of all healthy friendships [Video]. YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmJyWreER7A

  
  

• NIH. (2017, February). Do social ties affect our health? NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/02/do-social-ties-affect-our-health

  
  

• Stanford Medicine. (2025, February 7). The neuroscience of love and connection. Pacific Neuroscience Institute. https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/blog/brain-health/the-neuroscience-of-love-and-connection/

  
  

• UC Berkeley. (2025, August 11). Is the ‘love hormone,’ oxytocin, also the ‘friendship hormone’? Berkeley News. https://news.berkeley.edu/2025/08/11/is-the-love-hormone-oxytocin-also-the-friendship-hormone/

  
  

• Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute. (2025, August 6). Affective neuroscience of loneliness: Potential mechanisms underlying the association between perceived social isolation, health, and well-being. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368470619_Affective_Neuroscience_of_Loneliness_Potential_Mechanisms_underlying_the_Association_between_Perceived_Social_Isolation_Health_and_Well-Being