Friendships; the relationships you make with a select few people where a bond is created. It’s where two people have a mutual desire to connect and spend time with each other, to find community and to share the good and the bad with each other. It’s those who you would confide in things you might not tell your family, who have your back and to support and encourage you in every aspect of your life.
Building these friendships are important to maintain good mental health. This does not mean that friendships will stop you from having mental health challenges but they are there to support, find happiness and to be there through thick and thin. It’s how you build on these friendships that will make them last for a lifetime. There will be times where friends will come and go and that’s ok but there will be a few who will be there for a lifetime.
Ways I can build friendships;
~ Time
Setting aside time to spend with your friends can allow that friendship to flourish. It shows that you’ll turn up for each other, not just physically but also emotionally. Catching up with friends in person can allow for a more personal connection with each other, increases happiness and can reduce any stresses you may have.
~ Open and honesty
Communication doesn’t always mean sharing every single detail about you and your life as you are allowed to have things that you want to keep to yourself. However, being open and honest with each other can create genuine connections. It creates a foundation of trust and authenticity. It allows you to feel more comfortable around the people you call friends.
~ Actions speak louder than words
The words that you use still matter as they can still be used to build friendships. They are a powerful tool that can still have effects on others. However, sometimes your actions speak louder than words. Are you following through with what you promised your friends? Are you showing up for each other?
It doesn’t have to be big gestures but backing up your friendships with more than just words can go a long way. It can be anything from hand making them a present to cheering them on at their graduations. There will be times where mistakes happen within friendships and that is ok but it’s how you handle that with each other is important.
Friendships can reduce loneliness, increase connections and community and so much more. Both verbal and non-verbal communication go hand in hand in creating stronger friendships. Altogether, friendships can have a positive effect on your wellbeing.