Both romance and friendship often start the same way

One of the more surprising findings in the science of relationships is that both romance and friendship often start the same way — with a spark.

But, what happens next? Often, we place our romantic partners above all else and ask our friends to wait in the wings, say relationship experts. Yet, a growing body of research shows friends are essential to a healthy life — and they are just as important for our well-being as healthy eating habits or a good night’s sleep.