Do you cherish close friendships and work to maintain them? If so, you might be naturally nostalgic. A recent study of nearly 1,500 people in the U.S. and Europe, published in Cognition and Emotion, suggests that nostalgic individuals tend to have more close friends and put more effort into sustaining relationships.
Researchers from the University at Buffalo and Kyoto University found that strong social connections are crucial for mental and physical well-being. People with close friends are happier, less likely to experience depression, and even tend to live longer. However, maintaining friendships can become challenging as social circles shrink with age.
The study examined nostalgia’s role in sustaining relationships across three experiments. The first surveyed U.S. college students, revealing that those who frequently reminisced about meaningful past experiences had more close friends—an average of seven—and were more committed to maintaining friendships. A second experiment with U.S. adults showed similar results, even after accounting for personality traits like extraversion.
The third study used long-term Dutch survey data, tracking social ties over seven years. Researchers found that nostalgia increased with age, and those with higher nostalgia levels retained close friendships, while less nostalgic individuals lost about 18% of their strong social ties.
Ways to Meet and Keep Close Friends
- Engage in Shared Activities – Join clubs, volunteer, or take up hobbies where you meet like-minded people.
- Be Consistent – Regular meetups and check-ins build strong bonds. Make time for calls or casual get-togethers.
- Be a Good Listener – Show genuine interest in your friends’ lives and be supportive during tough times.
- Embrace Nostalgia – Reminiscing about shared experiences strengthens connections and reminds you of the value of friendships.
- Make New Connections – Be open to new friendships at any stage in life. Take the initiative to invite people for coffee or a gathering.
- Adapt to Change – Friendships evolve. Stay flexible and adjust to life’s transitions while keeping in touch.
By valuing and nurturing friendships, you can build a lasting social network that enriches your life.
