June 8 is National Best Friends Day. It’s a time to recognize the people who make life brighter, better and more bearable. But best friends are more than just our favorite people to laugh with or share inside jokes. Research shows that close friendships are deeply tied to our happiness, health and sense of purpose.

Dr. Leslie Echols, Missouri State University associate professor of psychology, uncovers why friendships matter, how they help us through hard times and how our closest connections help shape who we are.

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