I’ll admit it. I’ve always been an introvert—a card-carrying, dyed-in-the-wool introvert. A “don’t mess with me, I need my alone time” introvert. Maybe some of you can relate.

Lately, I've started noticing the importance of friendship in my life. This comes at an unheard-of time of change, disruption, and societal trauma. While it may not be surprising that I’m personally feeling the importance of a few close, deep friends (‘heart friends’), it spurred me into thinking about how others are faring at this time and how close, bonded friendships may help us. In fact, friendships are positively correlated with emotional well-being, which we all could use more of right now.

How are you holding up right now? For most of us, this is a loaded question. Many of us have recently found ourselves on a giant ship that felt like it is perilously close to sinking, heading toward a hurricane. How do we navigate the rough and scary waters, seemingly filled with sharks and serpents, and waves that threaten to swallow you whole? Do we journey alone, or can we find refuge in close relationships and friendships? If there were ever a time to seek refuge in close, trustworthy relationships, it is certainly now.

Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and listen to your inner compass. Now open them. In your mind’s eye, what do you see? Do you see a life raft of close friends or, instead, acquaintances that drifted off in another direction? Did any of the crew jump aboard another ship, or did they drop anchor near you, patiently waiting for you to board? Look around, and you will probably find a life raft of a select few trusted crew members ready to journey together through the storm.

Humans are inherently social beings, whether we like to admit it or not. From time immemorial, people have banded together in tribes, villages, cities, and groups. But what distinguishes these groups from deep, heart-felt friendships—a sisterhood........

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