To what extent does friendship contribute to people's well-being?

Friendships contribute hugely to well-being, especially in fast-paced cities like Shanghai where work stress can be overwhelming. The main reason is they provide emotional relief outside family - like when my UI design team faces tight deadlines, having lunch with colleagues who understand the pressure makes a real difference. It's not deep bonding, but those small moments of shared frustration and laughter keep me going. That said, I've noticed younger coworkers often prioritize networking over genuine friendships, which can feel more transactional. Real friends, even just a few, create that safe space where you don't have to perform.