Page 42 - Healthy Brain Living Book

Considered one of the most basic of human traits, becoming

a lifelong friend with someone else is right up there with our

capacity to feel love, compassion, and loyalty. Having this kind of

relationship with another carries no expectation, no “you scratch

my back, I’ll scratch yours” mentality. It’s an unspoken agreement

that you not only mean something special to each other, but you

will also always have the other’s back, for as long as you live.

Those who have cemented this kind of attachment are usually

able to make it work without infringing on the special love and

familial affection we feel for a spouse, child, or sibling. And

at times, our special friend might also be our husband, wife,

brother, sister, or significant other.

And as you might have guessed, it has long been established that

being a part of this kind of distinctive union can contribute to

having a longer, fuller life, and less chance of succumbing to poor

health. Having a lifelong buddy and doing right by the other

“protection perks” we should follow, will help make our days all

that more extraordinary—and eminently worth living.

Now scientists are discovering that many animal species, like

chimpanzees and dolphins, exhibit some of these same lifelong

bonding tendencies. After all, everyone needs a pal.

Tip #3 - Buddy System Benefits

Scientists have found that those positive feelings you have after

hanging out with your best friends are not just emotionally based.

Good friendships affect your serotonin, a neurotransmitter

that sends signals from one area of the brain to another.

Although serotonin is manufactured in the brain, where it

performs its primary functions, some 90 percent of our serotonin

supply is found in the digestive tract and blood platelets. Of our

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