“don’t spend HEAVYWEIGHT TIME
with LIGHTWEIGHT PEOPLE.”
Why are social health and social
intelligence so important?
Is it safe to be alone
during hard times?
Simply being there for someone unleashes powerful chemicals in their brain. Just being present for them during trying moments is also crucial to our own quality of life. The power of someone simply being present is a healing force. Having another person around brings security and comfort. Imagine sitting next to your best friend as they tell you about a relative dying. You now have the power to provide them with the solace they need to get through their ordeal.
Many times, there are no real words that can magically make a person feel better during hard times. The power of being present in these moments for another person provides their mind and body with the feeling of security needed to make it through the most difficult moments.
Studies have shown that being socially isolated, in addition to experiencing loneliness, can lead to a higher risk for a variety of physical and mental conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, anxiety, and even an increased chance of death.
Lonely people report higher levels of stress when exposed to the same stressful incidents as non-lonely people. Moreover, lonely people have negative reactions, even when they are relaxing.
Loneliness is an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation. Loneliness can be best described as social pain. We all have a psychological mechanism that motivates individuals to pursue social interaction, especially during hard times.
Research shows that loneliness may increase the risk of a heart attack by more than 40
percent. It also increases the chances of premature death by up to 50 percent. People with pre-
existing heart conditions are likely to die as a consequence of isolation.
There are many long-term effects from being lonely, such as reduced cognitive skills, concentration and focus, ability to make decisions, problem-solving, and even positive thinking.
The true definition of a friend is someone that has your back, no matter the situation. By just being there, they provide a natural safety shield. A true friend will not purposely lead you into decisions that are not good for you. A true friend will always be there for you, to help you heal during rough times.
I do believe this to be true as there is strength in numbers. However, I personally can’t give myself a perfect score because my faith has taught me to never deny the truth.
I do believe this to be true as there is strength in numbers. However, I personally can’t give myself a perfect score because my faith has taught me to never deny the truth.
There are many
social intelligence gurus that consider two crucial goals:
Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
Show respect for others’ opinions. When you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.