Good friends are good for health. Friends can help you celebrate the good times and support you during the bad times. Friends prevent isolation and loneliness and also give you the opportunity to offer the necessary company. Friends can also: Increase your sense of belonging and purpose. Increase your happiness and reduce your stress. Improve your self-confidence and self-esteem. Help you cope with trauma, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss, or the death of a loved one. Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise. Read more: Friendship Is Better Than Relationship