“If I’m not sharing knowledge and emotions, then I feel lonely.” The reason for that, according to John Cacioppo, is that loneliness “serves as a signal to attend to and take care of the social connections that define us as a species.”5 We know we are attending to those connections when we feel “at home” with a closely knit group or family. We’re wired to associate belonging with the sharing of stories, feelings, memories, and concerns. That’s why our bodies relax and our spirits lift when we connect in genuine friendship and love. Strong personal relationships not only add joy and meaning to
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