'In Five Years' and other books that celebrate female friendship
So when women form friendships, what exactly are we gaining? The emotional benefits include the following: Nurturing: Through laughter, tears, and an inexhaustible stream of talk we nurse each other emotionally and physically. Studies show that during times of isolation and stress, oxytocin levels rise and actually impel women to seek out the company of others. This social connection decreases feelings of loneliness and depression and can diminish feelings of helplessness and ineptitude. At least 22 studies show that the calming effect of female bonding not only momentarily decreases heart ...