For many of us, the coronavirus pandemic revealed who our closest
friends are. Deprived of social
opportunities to interact with a wider group, we became more reliant than ever on
a small group of confidants. For children,
the situation was even more dramatic, especially for those too young to enjoy
Zoom calls. Many missed their social circle – especially their best friends.
These friends aren't just people we enjoy hanging out with, they are
the ones we trust completely. As children, we tend to treat them as members of
our extended family, to the point where
their homes may feel as familiar as our own. As adults, we know we can call
them at a moment's notice to share the highs and lows of our daily lives.
"With best friendship, there tends to be intimacy,
a feeling that the other person is there for you, that
*they have your back," says Rebecca Graber, a psychology
lecturer. "It's about perceived support rather than actually showing
up."
But are we programmed to have best friends? Research shows there are
strong evolutionary benefits that explain why we choose to form such close
social bonds with others. However, the precise nature of those bonds can vary
considerably – and understanding this diversity can offer much comfort and hope
to those yearning for a best friend, and
struggling to find one.
(1) Explain what the
underline quote means in one sentence.
Having best friends makes us feel assured even when they aren’t physically there to help us.
It means to share the highs and lows of daily life.
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