Communication research, in particular, has also linkedfrequent positive social interactionswith those well-being perks.

Hall, PhD, professor of communication studies and director of theRelationships and Technology Labat University of Kansas.

That said, having even more of these quality conversations per day can also amplify the effect.

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And bonding certainly looks different in different friendships, says Dr. Hall.

Some people are really interested in, Hey, howve you been since we last chatted?

and other people dont have this kind of check-in friendship.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

The point is that there are many paths toward the same relational benefit.

And building those routines back requires intentional choices.

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Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

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Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

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Courtesy Berkley Publishing