So this past weekend we were at one of those indoor water parks. It's kind of getting cold so y'all know we got to go inside.

Anyway, my two little girls were with us and there are all these little kids running around and I was just watching my oldest

She's eight years old and seeing how easy it was for her to make friends. I mean, yeah, there was some hesitation at the beginning, but for the most part, a couple of glances, a couple of strategic splashes. She made friends so easy and I kept thinking about how cool it was that

kids for the most part can instantly have a lot of fun together. Be friends and

I've seen this too with her more long-term friendships

from school in the neighborhood

that she's very forgiving, a lot of her friends are forgiving,

they'll be fighting one minute, and their friends the next.

And just think it's so cool watching kids how easy it seems to build

connection to have meaningful relationships. But then we get old, right? Sometimes we deny that we need

these relationships. But the truth is it seems like the

older we get the smaller and smaller that circle becomes and yet the need for that connection,

those friendships, it's still there. Today I connected with a couple of

researchers who have been spending some time researching connection and they have a

tip on how you and I, yeah us old folks, can cultivate meaningful relationships.

And yeah, good relationships, you know that make your brain happy.

Welcome to another episode of Happy Brain.

My name is Heather Parody, and thank you for joining us as we

explore the fun side to mental health by digging into the simple hacks and fun

tips to make your mental health journey more enjoyable and your brain a little

happier.

Hey all, all welcome to this episode of Happy Brain. I am so grateful that you are here.

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