With loneliness on the rise, CNN is looking for stories of how platonic friendships have helped you live your life to the fullest. We know that friendships, even casual relationships, can have significant impacts on not just your mental health but also your physical health, leading to longer lives.

Whether it's a best friend, or someone unexpected who helped you through a tough time, how did you connect with a friend who made your life better? How did that person help you through a difficult time? Was the friendship sparked through a chance encounter or did you set out to make new connections?

Share your story of friendship with us and we may reach out to learn more.