3 ways to improve your friendships (and why you should)
There’s a lot of popular music dedicated to the joys of friendship. Friendships are marvellous things to have.
Your friends are the people that back you up when you need it. And when you’re wrong, they’re hopefully also the people who will attempt to tell you gently that you’re being a bit much.
There are physical benefits to having friends; they aren’t just people to fill otherwise lonely hours.
According to the Mayo Clinic, having friends reduces your stress levels, improves your self worth, and boosts your overall happiness.
So, you know you need them, and that you should spend more time with them, but you’ve been busy lately. That excuse will only work for so long.
Spending time with your friends is like investing in your future happiness. Before the year is gone and you’ve got a guilty feeling, here are three ways to improve your friendships.
Make time
yes, it’s that simple. Schedule a date and time in your diary, and make it inviolate. It doesn’t need to be a weekend excursion; for many people a one hour catch up over tea will make sure you stay connected. Try to carve out some time for all of your friends at least once a month. It’s no excuse that they live on the other side of the world; there are so many ways to stay connected.
Be the friend you want
You’ve heard it before, and this probably won’t be the last time. If you’d love to hear what your friends are doing, you can count on them wanting to know the same about you. Be the person who sends a quick message when you think about your friends, or the one who always shows up with flowers (or a bottle of wine). These gestures show you care, even if you have a packed schedule.
Add variety
The same meal every day becomes more unsatisfying as time passes. The same is true with relationships – romantic or otherwise. When you can, add something new to your friendships. Try something new together, or make it your “thing” to meet in a new coffee place every time you meet. If you’re always on the town together, invite your friend over for a quiet dinner at home. It’s the small experiences that bind people together – and strengthen your friendship.
You may have a lot going on in your business, or your home, but you can’t leave your friendships to suffer. Unless they’re nurtured, they will fade, and eventually disappear. And, that just plain sucks. Celebrating your successes without your friends doesn’t sound like a celebration at all, does it? Besides, you want the positive effects friends bring along with their shoulder to lean on when you need it.
Take Action!
- Has this article made you feel you should get in touch with someone?
- Don’t delay – do it now! Text them, send them a online line email – hell even pick up the phone and say hello. They miss you as well. Call them.
- What’s your best tip for improving your friendships? We’d love to hear your stories and ideas. Post them below, and share with others who may need a hand in getting their relationships on track.
- And, don’t forget to bookmark our blog, we bring you new tips every week.
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This is part of Spring Cleaning your Life month on the Rethink Retreats blog. Read these other great posts:
Ditch the junk to get more done
And as always please share your comments below. We love to hear from you!
