“Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re there” – Unknown.

Cheesy, but true. Friends come and go, but real friendships – the sort that lasts forever – can go months without seeing each other; maybe even without speaking to each other – but you know each other are there. And, when you do see or speak to each other, it was like you have never been apart.

Hopefully, we all have at least one friend like that. We all need one friend like that. Someone who knows what you need, what makes you happy, what makes you sad. That one person who knows what ‘that’ look means, and you can communicate with without saying a single word. A true friend.

These friends are important. But why?

Quite simply, life is better with a deep and meaningful friendship. That’s not just us saying it; it has been scientifically proven. According to Harvard Medical School, “social connections help relieve levels of stress, which can harm the heart’s arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.”

It’s not just that though. Good friendships make you feel good. They boost your self-esteem and confidence, they pick you up when things are not going great. They are a great sounding board for your hopes and dreams and are your biggest cheerleader. When you look like you are diving headfirst into something that is not good for you or is likely to end in disaster, they will be the ones say ‘hang on, wait a minute’, but if you choose to ignore it and do it anyway, they will be there to help pick up the pieces. In short, life is so much richer with good friends by your side.

But what about when you do not get the chance to see them very often? What if they, or you, move to the other side of the country, or even the world? What if life – kids, work, caring responsibilities – means it is months, maybe even years, in between getting a chance to hang out in person. How do you maintain a friendship then?

Well, as we mentioned above, a good friendship will be able to stand up to that, and that time and distance won’t make any difference. If anything, as the old adage goes, absence can make the heart fonder. However, these days, it is easier than ever to stay in touch without actually having to see one another. Social media, video calls, text messages – these are all great ways to have a quick catch up with your bestie. If you want to occasionally check in and remind them of just how much you value their friendship, a gift delivery is a lovely idea. It can be the traditional flowers, a hamper of their favourite goodies or a simple letterbox gift. Gift boxes are a great way to say ‘hey, I’m still here, I still love you’, and remind them that you are there still, sparkling away like that star.