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It’s widely advocated that if you’re married or in a stable relationship, you’re more likely to be healthier, happier and even live a longer life. If you’re single, it’s enough to make you feel sick. Despite these claims of ‘marital bliss’, however, single life is fast becoming the norm in the UK. Four in 10 adults now live alone, whether through divorce, being widowed or just never having married. And with this figure set to increase over the next 20 years, relationships with friends and family have never been more important.

Fortunately, how happy or healthy you are isn’t just down to your marital status. Friendships can also play a large factor in our happiness – and some may argue they are even more important than whether or not you have a ring on your finger. It’s been claimed that people who have a close network of friends are likely to feel happier and less stressed. So whether you’re single, divorced, in the throes of a new relationship or celebrating your ruby wedding anniversary, it’s worth putting a bit of time and effort into your relationships with your friends. Here’s some tips how.

• Make time for your friends. Whether it’s going out for an evening, squeezing in a cup of coffee after work or just picking up the phone more regularly – friendships need to be nurtured.
• Try to have open and honest discussions with your friends. It’s better than bottling up problems, which can lead to resentment.
• If you’re feeling worried or stressed, talking things over with a friend can do much to ease the burden. However, remember to return the favour by showing an interest in their life too and being there for them in their own times of trouble.
• We’re all different - respect the fact that your friend’s opinions and moral values may differ from your own. This doesn’t have to ruin your friendship. Focus on your friend’s qualities and what you have in common.
• Don’t just rely on one friend all the time, but try to have a few people that you can depend on. Take every opportunity to meet new people and widen your social circle.
• Although it’s important to make an effort with your friends, don’t be too disheartened if there are certain old acquaintances that you lose touch with. It’s only natural for some friendships to founder as you go through life, while new ones form.

Bupa Employee Assistance

If you feel you would benefit from talking to a counsellor about friendships please call Bupa Employee Assistance free on 0800 269 616. The service is also available to your spouse/partner and any dependents living in the same household.

Further information

Bupa Employee Assistance
UK: 0800 269616
Ireland: 1800 650 138

 

  • Calls to 0800 numbers from landlines are free, however, mobile phone providers may charge. If you are calling Bupa Employee Assistance from outside the UK, dial +44 20 8947 2690.
    Publication date: February 2011. These notes are issued for general information only. Professional advice should always be sought to take account of individual circumstances. Bupa cannot accept responsibility for continued accuracy of this information or actions taken on the basis of these notes alone.
    Bupa Employee Assistance is provided by Personal Effectiveness Centre Limited, trading as Bupa Employee Assistance. Registered in England and Wales no. 2355649. Registered office, Bupa House, 15-19 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2BA.
    © Bupa 2011. Bupa and the heartbeat symbol are trademarks of The British United Provident Association Limited.

Talk to us

  • Telephone

    For free confidential advice and support call

    0800 269 616

    From Ireland
    1800 409 710
    From outside the
    UK and Ireland
    +44 20 7520 7232

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