Deepening friendships goes beyond mere maintenance. It's about fostering a bond that withstands time, distance, and life's inevitable changes. Let's explore the art of nurturing these relationships, turning casual acquaintances into lifelong companions.
As we get older, the standards and basis for our friendships change, but that doesn’t make them any less necessary
In fact, as we age the friendships we have become even more important
- Studies have shown that true and positive friendships have a number of mental and physical benefits
- They increase your sense of belonging and purpose, boost happiness and reduce stress, improve your self-confidence and self-worth, and help you to cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss, or the death of a loved one
Prioritize Touching Base
Make it a practice to check-in every time a friend of yours crosses your mind
- You may not always be able to maintain an in-depth conversation, but you can at least show them that they are on your mind and in your heart
- By reaching out when you actually are thinking of them, the conversation will feel much more authentic when you get together
But Still: Know Your Boundaries
If it truly is a tough time for you, and you physically or emotionally don’t feel able to commit to deepening friendships, that’s completely fine.
- Just let a friend know and then pick things back up when you are both ready to invest is well worth it.
Make Plans and (This Part’s Tough) Try to Stick to Them
Make it a point to plan your next outing.
- Don’t feel guilty for having to pencil someone in or for planning far ahead. You’ll surprise yourself with how happy you will be afterward by not canceling.
Strengthen Your Relationships
Shine Talks will help you learn to speak your needs, practice self-care while playing the dating app game, navigate the friend comparison trap, and so much more
Initiate Intentional Conversations
Don’t shy away from difficult conversations
- When we open up to others, in most instances, it makes them more willing to open up themselves
- Ask open-ended questions
- Put your phones away and immerse yourself in the moment
Get Away Together
Not all of us live in the same cities as our closest friends, so long spans of time before seeing one another can be inevitable.
