Nostalgia strengthens friendships, helping maintain connections

A new study shows that nostalgia can strengthen friendships. Researchers found that people who cherish nostalgic memories are more likely to maintain their important relationships over time, leading to larger social circles. The study involved 1,467 participants, including college students and adults from the U.S. and the Netherlands. It revealed that those who frequently feel nostalgic retain more close friendships compared to those who do not. Nostalgia affects people of all ages, helping young adults during life transitions and older adults coping with loss. The findings suggest that nostalgia is a valuable tool for keeping connections alive.