In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. – Khalil Gibran
We often prioritize and seek romantic relationships first and foremost. We also value our family bonds and tend to favor these connections. However, this can mean that we leave friendships by the wayside. And yet friendships can be very important for a good, satisfying, and meaningful life.
Friendships are special because they are usually far more about positive emotions and fun than other relationships. That is not to say that friends won’t be there during the hard times, but that we tend to hang out with them when we want to. With a relative or a partner, there are usually more obligations. This means that friends can become those positive relationships that bring us joy and happiness, even when things are tough elsewhere.
Secondly, friends are chosen, and as we maintain a friendship, we keep making the choice to stick with that person. It empowers us to build long and satisfying connections but let go of those that are less significant.
Thirdly, friendships are a big part of our support network. We rely on the people around us to support us and also offer this support in turn. Being able to help and receive help are both important contributors to our mental health.
Having friends as an adult is not always easy, especially if you have parted ways with friends from college, high school, or work. But there are ways to find them and keep them.
Look for common interests and groups. Try to invite the people you like to hang out more. Keep doing it and watch your relationship grows.
You won’t make good friends with every single person you meet. But the more people you meet, the more you are likely to meet someone who will become a friend and stay in your life.
In general, the main contributors to friendship are some shared values, spending time together, and a willingness to stay friends. Often, it’s as easy as that.
Friendships can improve your quality of life and enhance your support network. Friendships are linked to a sense of community and can allow you to feel like you belong, which is very important for our health and well-being.
