THESE are 3 types of friendships that bring more happiness, according to Harvard expert

In a recent publication, a study carried out by Harvard University over 85 years revealed that the main factor contributing to happiness in life is the presence of positive relationships. Within this context, friendships play a significant role.

The study, which is part of CNBC's “Make It’s Tools for Happiness” series, also found that maintaining close friendships long-term stability is among the top seven practices of individuals who achieve a happy and healthy.

However, it is worth highlighting that each friendship is unique and there is no standard formula for all types of relationships.

Interestingly, the concept of diversity in friendships is not something new. Aristotle, the renowned Greek philosopher, had already categorized friendships into three distinct types.

Reinforcing this idea, professor Arthur Brooks, also from Harvard, who teaches about happiness management, highlights that, To achieve a full feeling of happiness, it is essential to have the three types of friendship proposed by Aristotle in our life. See what they are below!

Discover the three best types of friendships

In a recent article titled “The Best Friends Can Do Nothing for You,” published by Brooks on prestigious Harvard happiness course, the three forms of friendships stood out as described by Aristotle.

• Utilitarian friendships: These are predominantly transactional. Brooks exemplifies by mentioning the relationships that people have with co-workers or business partners. In such interactions, there is a clear and defined purpose for the relationship.
• Friendships based on pleasure: This form of connection arises from mutual admiration and the joy that the parties involved derive from each other. If an individual finds pleasure in the company of a friend, whether due to their sense of humor, interests, or other characteristics, Brooks identifies this connection as a pleasure-based friendship.
• “Perfect” friendships: According to Aristotle, this is the highest form of friendship. Brooks describes that such friendships exist between those who possess a common love that not only connects them but also propels them both toward virtue.

The core of this relationship is not utility or pleasure, but dedication to enriching each other's lives.

“Perfect” friendships: the key to true satisfaction, according to Brooks

Friendships based on utility and pleasure have their value, but they often lack the depth that truly meaningful relationships offer.

The former are beneficial for advancing in different aspects of life, but they do not always provide lasting joy and comfort, highlighted writer Brooks.

Brooks points out that, although it is essential to cultivate friendships based on utility and pleasure, caution is needed. “We can’t afford to risk these connections with confrontation, difficult conversations, or too much intimacy,” he says.

However, he points to a third type of friendship, which he describes as “perfect”. These are the relationships that not only deepen but also provide a sense of complete satisfaction. “While it’s hard to describe, many know what a ‘perfect’ friendship feels like,” Brooks shared.