Release some friend-orphins

Bacardi Breezer has carried out a nationwide survey to explore the complexities of women's friendships. This is, no doubt, in a bid to learn more about the market they aim their drinks at, particularly their new women-centric product, Breezer 100 Calories.

Many psychologists claim that spending time with best friends is as pleasurable as having sex as it can release the same endorphins.

More interesting perhaps than the drink itself, are the findings of the Breezer survey.

Friendships are funny old things, as easily broken as they are formed. But whether you have one or 1000 (Facebook 'friends' not included) having someone to share moments, solve problems and confide in, can help you live a happier, more balanced lifestyle. The 200,000 women surveyed agreed.

Three in four women (76 per cent) claimed to be cheered-up after talking to friends about their problems, and 73 per cent said that catching up on all the gossip and having a good laugh makes them feel more relaxed.

Nurturing trust is important too, with 55 per cent of women claiming that they would let their best friend choose a blind date for them. Those surveyed said that sharing time with friends on a regular basis ensures that they have someone who will listen to them and who makes them feel valued and wanted.

Many psychologists claim that spending time with best friends is as pleasurable as having sex, as it can release the same endorphins.

Leading psychologist Jenni Trent-Hughes, who analysed the results of the Breezer survey, said: “We have our friends to make us feel good. Nothing releases the old endorphins – natural happy chemicals that you release during sex and other times of elation – like laughing and having a good, old-fashioned gossip. A true friend is there to talk to and share with, making us feel lighter in both head and heart.”

Other findings include that 75 per cent of women would only move abroad for a job promotion if their best friend came with them. However, out of this group only 14 per cent said that they would actually recommend their best friend for a job in the same workplace due to concerns that their friend would cause distractions and that friendly rivalry could turn sour.

Money fronts the agenda for the favourite topic of conversation among women, surprisingly knocking relationships, dieting, shopping and celebrity gossip off the top spots. 79 per cent of women say they prioritise time with their friends as they use this to off-load, share their troubles and cheer themselves up.

Scottish girls seem to like to talk about sex with their mates more than girls in any other area of the UK. Welsh girls are more career-focused, and Londoners are the most competitive. But it's us northern girls who come out on top as the friendliest bunch of them all. We're most likely to have eight or more best friends in the whole of the UK. Awww. Now go and give your best friend a hug, you uber-friendly northern lass...