Overwhelming evidence supports the idea that healthy relationships are key to our health and well-being. The late eminent social psychologist Chris Peterson summed up the entire field of positive psychology in three words: “Other People Matter.” It’s our close relationships that help us flourish. Not only do close, supportive connections feel good, but they are also good for us.

They help buffer us from stress, support our immune system, and open our hearts and minds. Regardless of our age, we all need to feel that we have people who understand, appreciate, and accept us. It’s not the quantity of our relationships, but the quality that matters most for our well-being.

Having at least one close confidant—ideally a few—whom we can rely on no matter what is essential for our flourishing. Peterson reminded us of the importance of having “4:00 a.m. friends”—people we can call in the middle of the night for any reason whatsoever.

For today’s youth, that idea is resonant. With youth mental health declining across the globe and........

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