Are you convinced it’s your friendships with women that will keep you alive longer than your husband or partner?

If so, psychology researchers from the University of California-Los Angeles would likely agree with you. A landmark UCLA study linked a range of health benefits to strong social ties among women.

We’d like to take a look at women’s friendships for an upcoming story. Do you have a particularly close and long-lasting friendship you’d like to share with us?

If so, please send us the details (your name and hers, your day and evening phone numbers, hometown, occupation and e-mail address), along with the tale of your friendship. We’d like to know why it’s lasted so well, and what you’ve found to be the secret of forging and keeping these strong connections.

You may send your story by e-mail to features@spokesman.com, or by mail to Women’s Friendships, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.