Is Friendship the New Romance?

About Tori Thurmond

Tori Thurmond combines her creative writing background with her marketing experience in her role as the Content Specialist at Brookdale. When she's not writing, she's probably spending time with her two cats or knitting.

In a TED® Talk about lifelong female friendship with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Fonda said, “I have my friends, therefore I am.” In the conversation moderated by Pat Mitchell, Fonda reflects that she wouldn’t know what to do without her female friends. She says they make her stronger, braver, and even correct her when she’s in the wrong.

Friendships can help make life better, and this sentiment isn’t limited to female friendships. According to research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, individuals who spend more time with friends are less likely to experience depression, and the Mayo Clinic® reports that adults with strong social connections have a lower risk of other health problems such as, high blood pressure and unhealthy weight. The Mayo Clinic research even reported that older adults who have close friendships in their life are likely to live longer than their peers who have fewer friends.

Even with evidence highlighting the value and importance of friendship, can it really be the new romance? Generation Z and millennials seem to think so. A 2023 article in The Washington Post states that 55% of Gen Z and millennials value friendships over romantic relationships. The American Psychological Association points out that, in the past, people have viewed romance and friendship separately, but the two types of relationships might be linked more closely than we thought. Research indicates that chemistry, intimacy, and warmth are keys to close, stable friendships, characteristics that are traditionally associated with romantic relationships. By shifting our thinking, we might realize that friendship can provide just as much closeness and space for vulnerability as any romantic relationship.

Whether you have a romantic partner or not, it’s hard to deny the power and importance of friendship. Here are a few ways to maintain or strengthen your friendships.

Make a Conscious Effort

With busy schedules, it’s hard to make time for those we love unless we are intentional. Later in the TED Talk, Fonda says that she tries not to let too much time pass in between seeing her friends; she makes an effort to keep up with them regularly. Make a note on your calendar to text or call your close friends a few times a month or let them know when you see something that reminds you of them! These are great ways to balance your important relationships with your busy life.

Go on Friend Dates

Who says dates have to be reserved for romantic relationships? Not us! Go to see the latest box-office hit or go on a picnic in your favorite park with your bestie. Casual time spent with friends is wonderful but making your time together a little extra special every now and then creates fun memories you can look back on for years to come.

Join a Club Together

Not only will joining a club with a friend allow you to spend more quality time with them but you could also meet new friends together. As adults, making new friends can be difficult, but most things are easier when you have a friend to do them with. Some research has shown that tough tasks can feel less stressful to individuals when they have a friend by their side. So, grab your friend and join that book club you’ve been thinking about or try out the walking club in your neighborhood. Your shared interest might just make it that much easier to add a new friend to your group and strengthen your existing relationships.