re: Friends May Help You Live Longer Than Family

ZenErika — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:23:06 GMT

I agree that some people can be fair-weathered friends and disappear when the going gets tough. That's truly unfortunate. When the chips are down and a person gets sick or loses a job, that is a litmus test for a true friendship.

I do not agree at all however that a person should say that one race tends to make closer family ties than another. That is going down a slippery slope. Judgmental comments like that do not build community here or a positive atmosphere.

re: Friends May Help You Live Longer Than Family

jamai — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:04:20 GMT

The study is most likely a indication of Australian society and familial relationship, than the overall value of family to health and longevity. Generally, it is only family that will make significant personal sacrifice to help a family member, but almost never friends, who run a the first sign of trouble. The best way to lose friends is to be in need, or in trouble with the law. Families member will help each other, at least until in-laws become involved. A man's wife will often do her best to cut him off from his family.