Now and again we like to strap on our thinking caps here at MixingOut. And without getting too deep about the whole thing, there’s definitely an element of meeting new people and making friends that serves us in good stead, philosophically speaking. We’re ‘social animals’ and hardwired to seek out human companionship. Friendships have benefited us from the moment we first learned to walk upright and step outside of our caves.
But what about today? It’s not as if we’ve got giant wooly mammoths and sabre toothed tigers to contend with nowadays. Self preservation has shifted from survival to spiritual harmony. And if magazines, television and movies have taught us anything (because that’s pretty much where our researchers get all their information from) here’s precisely what we mean:
Friends will give you new and exciting experiences
Did you ever see The Hangover? How about The Goonies? All the great adventures begin with one thing: friendship. Why, even The Lord of The Rings begins with a gang of tiny buddies drinking in a tavern. You might not end up scaling the mountains of Mordor, but having an active social life is likely to give you new and exciting experiences.
Friends will help you overcome heartbreak
There’s fewer things more painful than a broken heart this day and age. Thankfully our friends are there to pick us up when we’re at our lowest. Read any copy of Cosmopolitan or catch any episode of any US sitcom ever. Failing that, watch Swingers, perhaps the funniest movie about friendship and heartache.
Friends will help you succeed at work
No, we’re not talking about that hilarious Pepsi advert where the lead’s friends help him rig a job interview so that he gets the job. Provided your mates aren’t keeping you out till all hours, having a fulfilling social life can make you happier and more productive at work.