Social studies

“The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.” ~Esther Perel, author and psychotherapist

Yesterday, Doug and I toured the Ford Motor Company’s brand-new world headquarters in Dearborn with a couple of friends we’ve known since our college years. The grand opening of the building was crowded with attendees, making it hard to fully appreciate its impressive architecture. But the real highlight for me was spending the afternoon with our old friends.

Lately I’ve been seeing more articles on the benefits of nurturing an active, in-person social life. Medical experts report that people who socialize regularly are healthier — and live longer.

An active “social life” also includes the time we spend connecting with others at the gym or in a class, a book club, a choir, or a service club — just for starters. That said, keep in mind that difficult or unfulfilling relationships are harmful to our wellbeing — and there’s also plenty of research to support the fact.

“Relationships that are defined by drama and conflicts all can add a boat-load of stress to daily life,” explains Frank Lipman, M.D. “Whenever and wherever practicable, withdraw your energy from these toxic relationships and spend more time building up the positive ones,” he prescribes. Dr. Lipman provides practical tips on expanding your social circles In “The 7 Ways Positive Relationships Support a Healthy Brain, Heart and Life.” You can read the article online here. ~CL

~Please share “Life Lines” with your friends.~