We met when we were five. I don’t know how I would have managed without her.” As children, Barbara Kastelein, from Ashford in Kent, and her best friend, nicknamed “Tulip,” both had alcoholic fathers. Their friendship was an escape from unhappy homes.
The best friends are now both 55 and their relationship is as solid as ever. Barbara says they are more like sisters and still there for each other during tough times. When Barbara’s father died, Tulip drove for hours to be at the funeral and to help Barbara empty her father’s flat.
“I can’t imagine life without her,”
As the pandemic has led us to reassess what's important in our lives, many people have been re-evaluating their friendships, reflecting on who they really value and which relationships are healthy or balanced. While the pandemic may have spurred these current re-examinations, experts say that taking a close look at one's circle of friends is something we should do from time to time, because our friendships can have a substantial effect on our health and well-being, for better or worse.