Meaningful Social Relationships: Better than Broccoli

"No man is an island, 

Entire of itself, 

Every man is a piece of the continent."

(1692) John Dunne, poet

We're in modern times, so let's substitute "person" for "man", but you get the gist. 

The research is in. More than veggies, money or status, the ties that bind result in us living longer and healthier lives than our more socially isolated peers. Umberson & Montez (2010) Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy

Check out this short TED talk by Harvard Med School Prof, Robert Waldinger for a lively summary of the 75-year research study that shows that what connects us makes us stronger.

What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness | Robert Waldinger

I'll encourage you to go offline for these connections. Even the friendliest online chats lack what our human touch, tone of voice, rate of speech and non-verbal language add to getting to know someone better and enjoying our time together.

Good Company equals Good Living.