Friends are what makes our life worth living, according to a study of 7,000 people. We ask our Email Jury their view
“It means everything to me. Friends look out for you in good days and bad. Good friends have loyalty, understanding, and are there for you.”
Carol Whitehead, Prestwich.
“Friends are very important to me. They are the people I can talk to, bounce ideas off and put the world to rights.”
Hamilton Maclean, Harwood.
“A friend is someone who you can trust with a secret and who is always there to listen and laugh and cry with you – and you do the same with them.”
Margaret Brown, Rutherglen.
“Friends are important, but I must admit that I don’t get lonely very easily. I’m one of those people who are perfectly happy with their own company. Most of my friends are 4,000 miles away in Bermuda where I used to work!”
Davie Kerr, Lochaber.
“I have a quite large circle of friends – we belong to the Women’s Institute, do yoga, go on trips and there is always someone for coffee and a willing ear. Life would be dull without them!”
Elizabeth O’regan, Lincoln.
“I live alone and have a long-term health problem. As I am retired, the company of friends keeps me interested and active. A telephone call or a visit definitely brightens the day.”
Heather Peterson, East Lothian.
“True friendships are extremely important. I had a friend for more than 60 years who was always dependable, kind and accepting of me.”
Liz Kelly, Glasgow.
“I have many good friendships, but I have also finally come to my senses and cut ties with some other supposed friends, where I felt I was being used – that is not a healthy friendship.”
Judi Martin, Aberdeenshire.
“Friends are the soulmates in your life, the family you can choose. Often the ones who accept you, warts and all. ”
Susan Ireland, Kendal.
“This year I underwent heart bypass surgery. I found I had true friends who at the drop of a hat would help me out, even often at a cost to themselves.”
James Thompson, East Lothian.