Spending time with a good friend feels easy and uplifting: The conversation flows, hours pass in a blink, and both parties walk away euphoric, thanks to the release of feel-good hormones that come with a few good laughs. However, getting to this point of uncomplicated companionship requires a significant time commitment. Research, published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, shows it takes more than 200 hours of time spent with a person to consider them a close friend. These hours shared over meals and meaningful conversations facilitate deeper connection.