Isn’t there just something incredible about big-belly-laughing friendships? Everything seems better in the world when we have a few good friends to rely on.
Friendships aren’t just important during the good times, though. They’re also incredibly important during stressful situations and periods of transition.
According to the Pew Research Center, 61% of U.S. adults say that having close friends is extremely important to live a fulfilling life. This may seem like a no-brainer, but this number is higher than those who say having a spouse (23%), children (26%), or money (24%) is critical to an incredible life.
Even so, 8% of those same adults say that they don’t have any good friends. So, let’s discuss how you can find great friends, deepen those relationships, and keep them close during big life transitions.
Tips for Finding Friends At Any Stage of Life
Making friends when we’re younger is generally easier than when we’re older. We can simply go up to someone on the playground or talk to the person sitting next to us in class.
As we get older though, those opportunities get smaller and smaller. To help you find friends later in life, focus on things like joining new clubs, tapping into an art class or a book club, or connecting with people on social media.
Another way to build connections is to nurture your existing relationships. Turn acquaintances into friends by prioritizing staying connected and putting relationships first.
How to Deepen Your Friendships
Although prioritizing connections is probably the best way to deepen your friendships, there are many other ways to nurture relationships so that they stand the test of time.
Some of these ideas include making intentional conversations, being vulnerable, and committing to listening to the other person. Show up for people the way you want them to show up for you.
You may make acquaintances through things like common interests but it's the way you make time for the other person that will help your friendship go the distance. Remember, it’s important to have friends by your side for your difficult transitions but it’s also important that you are there to support your friend when they need it, too.
Why Deep Friendships Are Important During a Life Transition
Humans often feel uneasy or uncomfortable when things are out of their control. This happens a lot during major life transitions. We want to grasp onto something that makes sense, and oftentimes, our transitions aren't that thing.
Strong, solid relationships are often what we need to rely on when things feel unsure or uncomfortable. When your life is changing, you need to hold onto something familiar, comfortable, and lived in. That’s where good friendships come into play.
Friends who truly know and understand the real you can help you get through these transition periods, find clarity, and silence your limiting beliefs. They can be the strong voice that tells you that your beliefs are holding you back and the soft but guiding push you need to move forward.
Get Help Finding the Support You Need to Succeed
Friends are a great place to start when you’re looking for outside support. But if you need a true third-party to help you develop the skills you need to put yourself out there to make new friends and nurture your relationships, I am here to help! My framework has helped hundreds of clients find true clarity, better understand their goals, and develop the mindset they need to start living life confidently and authentically.
Once you start living this way, you might be surprised at how easily friendships come to you. After all, who wouldn’t love to be friends with the true, authentic, and wonderful you?!