News

A survey of 589 US adults links savouring good moments together with less conflict and more confidence, especially under stress. Correlation only.

A Washington State University survey of 141 couples links more overall affection to stronger relationships, even if unequal. A correlational study.

A University of Rochester lab study of 200+ couples links honest, respectful talk about a wanted change with better wellbeing. See the limits.

Long-term data from four countries suggest satisfaction can drop faster in the final one to two years before a split. What that does and does not mean.

Interviews with seven young mental-health service users and seven peer-support workers in Norway describe friendship as protective and burdensome at once.

Animal research: prairie voles lacking oxytocin receptors were slower to form peer preferences, though most bonded within a week. Not human evidence.

A round-robin study of nearly 800 people in friend groups found friends tended to agree on who was ready for commitment. It did not test future outcomes.

World Happiness Report 2025 cites Gallup data: in 2023, 19% of adults aged 18 to 29 worldwide said they had no one to count on for support.

A US survey of 1,488 adults found more digital contact, fewer close friends and less in-person time, yet 95% still call friendship essential.

A US survey of 940 partnered adults compared people whose partner is their best friend with those whose best friend is someone else. Here is what differed.