Let’s be real: life without friends would be like avocado toast without the avocado—pointless and a little dry. Friends are the folks who laugh until they snort with you, hold your secrets (and sometimes your hair), and unapologetically split a tub of ice cream when life gets messy.

But guess what? Friendships aren’t just good for your heart metaphorically—they literally make your heart healthier. Science says people with strong social ties live longer, get sick less often, and bounce back faster when life throws a tantrum. Translation? Friendship is wellness with better snacks.

So if your New Year’s vibe is “more good humans, less ghosting,” this four-day feel-good, science-backed plan is here to help you spark (or rekindle) some magical connections—one belly laugh at a time.

✨ Day 1: Make Friends With Your Friendship Goals

Before you start sending out “Hey stranger!” texts to everyone you went to summer camp with, hit pause. Grab a notebook, light a candle (because we’re fancy like that), and ask yourself: What kind of friendships am I craving?

Do you want deeper heart-to-hearts? More spontaneous karaoke nights? A buddy for Sunday market strolls and therapy debriefs?

The truth is, friendships aren’t all glitter and good vibes—they take work. Grown-up friendship means navigating mismatched schedules, weird texts that go unanswered, and the occasional "Are we still cool?" moment.

Think about what you’re willing to put in, and what you hope to get back. And remember: like your taste in coffee and your skincare routine, your friendship needs will evolve. And that’s beautiful.

🎉 Day 2: Be the Friend You’d Swipe Right On

Now that you’ve set the tone, it’s time to turn the mirror (gently) on yourself. Want better friendships? Be a better friend. Start by embracing the magic of confelicity—that’s the joyful act of celebrating someone else’s joy. (It’s also a word that’ll make you sound like you read poetry by candlelight.)

If your friend gets a promotion, throw confetti (real or emoji). If they’re starting over, be their cheerleader. Science says lifting others up lifts you too.

And hey—if you’ve flaked, ghosted, or unintentionally stepped on a friendship landmine, just say the words: I’m sorry. Vulnerability is the new black.

🎨 Day 3: Find Your Friendship Playground

Making new friends as an adult can feel like trying to do algebra in a dream: slightly impossible and vaguely terrifying. The trick? Shared interests.

Join a book club, go to a pottery night, take that salsa class you keep secretly Googling. When you're doing something you love, the pressure to be charming melts away. Bonus: you’ve already got a conversation starter that isn’t the weather.

Also: never underestimate the power of tiny traditions. Whether it’s “Wine Wednesdays,” dumb inside jokes, or an annual friend-aversary dance party—these small rituals are the glue that keeps the good times stickin’.

🌿 Day 4: Go Outside and Touch Some Leaves (Preferably With a Friend)

It’s time to take this friendship party into the great outdoors. Science (and every nature documentary narrator ever) confirms that green spaces = good vibes.

Plan a nature walk, a lake dip, or a stargazing sesh with a friend. Not only will your bond bloom, but your stress levels will plummet. Nature + connection = the original wellness cocktail.

Flying solo? That counts too. Plant a few herbs, talk to a tree (they’re excellent listeners), or sit under the stars and breathe. Sometimes, connecting with the world helps us feel more connected to ourselves—and that’s the soil where future friendships grow.

🌞 The WabiSabi Takeaway

Friendships are gloriously imperfect. They need sunlight, water, and the occasional heart-to-heart under a blanket fort. But when you show up—authentically, joyfully, awkwardly—you give yourself and others permission to do the same.

So text that friend. Join that weird niche club. Be vulnerable. Laugh loudly. Take a walk. Be kind.

Because at the end of the day, a good friend is better than a green smoothie. And honestly? Way more fun.