Friends… How many of us have them?
Dear Friend,
Will you be my friend? Let’s go back to the elementary school days, when it was all so easy. The night before the first day of school feeling nervous about making new friends. Then before you knew it, you had a ton of friends. These friends were by your side from elementary through high school. Then you venture off to college and meet new friends. The friendships happened naturally. As we fast forward to present day, we look around and realize those friends are long gone. Unfortunately, friendships drift apart and sometimes end.
I bet you're thinking why is it so hard to maintain friendships? Could it be that you no longer have much in common with one another? Or, perhaps you have noticed that the friendship is one sided and you're putting a lot more effort into the friendship then you are getting back? Hmm, could it even possibly be that you're watching your friends go on expensive trips while purchasing expensive items; meanwhile you are struggling with your finances? Whatever the reason it has been hard for you to maintain friendships, I am here to tell you don’t give up hope because friends are on the way!
Have you considered downloading a social media app where you are able to meet others? There are various free social media apps available where you can meet people within your community in which you share similar interests. Simply do a google search for friendship apps! For example, are you interested in reading books? If so, there are book club group apps where you can find people who share the same book interests that will allow you to share interests, spark conversations, and before you know it you have made a connection with someone.
Challenge yourself to seek out new friendships. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but if you don’t put forth the effort nothing will ever come from it.
Here are a few tips:
1) Join a class or start a new hobby.
2) Start a conversation with a stranger – neighbor, co-worker.
3) Become a volunteer for a cause you believe in.
4) Organize gatherings with your current friend group and have everyone bring a friend.
5) Engage in social media apps that allow you to meet new people
Let’s say you spark a conversation with someone at your gym. You find out you have mutual interests outside of working out. You grab a smoothie together after working out. This simple action may lead to spending more time together, resulting in developing a friendship. Honestly, a best friend level of friendship may not develop with every person you meet, but having small talk with the person you see every morning at your favorite coffee shop may brighten both of your day!
So my friend, what will you do today to increase your friendships? Be authentic, be persistent, get up close and personal, try not to take anything personal, and give us a call today to speak with one of our Clinicians as we are happy to go on this journey with you!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Allen, MA