India, March 17 -- Reconnecting with old friends might be easier than you think. A new international study shows that nostalgia, often seen as dwelling on the past, can actually help strengthen social networks. Researchers found that reminiscing not only evokes warm feelings but also encourages people to maintain their most valued relationships over time. (Also read: Is your child lonely? Study shows how creativity helps them to make friends )

Nostalgia is more than just a trip down memory lane. Research published in Cognition and Emotion suggests that those who frequently experience and cherish nostalgic feelings put more effort into maintaining their friendships, often resulting in a larger social circle.

"People who feel nostalgic mo...