You’ve likely heard the phrases, “No man is an island, entire of itself” and “It takes a village to raise a child.” What these phrases get at is the importance of having a circle, a group you can depend on. Although we like to think we can do it all alone, life is generally much easier if we get through it with support from others.
Years ago, before people moved frequently, their circle consisted of family members, neighbors, and friends. Their circles were large and included not only their own family and friends, but their parents’ friends.
Now, people move frequently, and we are connected more through social media rather than in person. It’s increasingly easier to be isolated (and many people are), yet we still ultimately need a circle of those close to us. The larger your circle, the more advantages you have and the healthier you’ll be.
Why We Let Friendships Lapse
In our busy world, friendships and connections often fall by the wayside because they require time. You need to spend time nurturing your friendships, connecting, and helping others. Some days you may be so busy that you feel that you don’t have time for yourself, let alone others, but ultimately, nurturing your circle will reward you in multiple ways.
The Benefits of Having a Large Circle of Support
1. A healthier life. Time recently reported that those who have strong social ties are more likely to live longer than those who don’t. In fact, researchers at Brigham Young University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that “a healthy social life may be as good for your long-term health as avoiding cigarettes” (Time).
2. More likely to get a job. The larger your circle is, the more people who can help you find a job. Mashable argues, “People get jobs through other people, not computers. By having a personal connection to the company you’re applying for, your chances of getting a job multiply.”
I saw this first hand in the 1980s when my dad was unemployed for nearly two years. My mom babysat at home, and one of the moms of the children she babysat for, Carla, was able to get my dad a job interview at the company where she worked. When the man interviewing my dad started to smoke during the interview, my dad did, too, which was enough for the boss to decide not to hire him. Carla was able to smooth things over, and my dad was ultimately hired. Without Carla in our circle, who knows how much longer my dad would have been unemployed.
3. More likely to feel secure. If you have a difficult decision to make, you can bounce ideas off your friends and those in your circle. If you run into hard times, you know your circle of connections can help support you. Having a safety net, so to speak, in the form of friends and family, can make you feel more safe and satisfied with your life.
4. Feel better about yourself. Giving to others can make us feel better about ourselves and our own life. If you’re part of a circle, you’re expected to give back. They help you; you help them. As you help friends and family, you also feel better about yourself.
In our society, it’s increasingly easy to let personal relationships fall by the wayside. Resist the urge and take the time to nurture your friendships and family connections. You’ll benefit financially, medically and personally.
Melissa is a writer and virtual assistant. She earned her Master’s from Southern Illinois University, and her Bachelor’s in English from the University of Michigan. When she’s not working, you can find her homeschooling her kids, reading a good book, or cooking. She resides in New York, where she loves the natural beauty of the area.