Although we may not be able to visit with our friends right now, we can do some self-reflection about our friendships or we can also send them some love-filled messages to tell them how much they are missed and how valuable they are. You can find a huge variety of quotes on this site be it friendship quotes, birthday wishes or good luck messages.
According to research, friends are more important to our psychological wellbeing than romantic relationships. Friends play a significant role in our happiness and health. When you have good friends, you can avoid loneliness, stress, and isolation.
People make friends in the weirdest of circumstances. It can be through work, events such as music concerts, through a family member or any other scenario. However, most friendships fade away as soon as they start.
Many people struggle to establish close friendships and quality connections.
Here are five ways to establish strong and valuable connections with other people.
1) Be Honest and Kind
Human interactions are bound to have ups and downs. Just like a romantic relationship, there are instances where friends might rub each other the wrong way. The truth is most people don’t realize when they are hurting others. Your friend might do something that offends you without knowing, which might cause a misunderstanding.
It can jeopardize your friendship and lead to you growing apart. The best solution is to practice honesty at all times. When your friend does something that offends you, let them know in good time.
It’s also crucial to practice kindness when someone wrongs you. Before you judge them, put yourself in their shoes. Be polite, and don’t blow things out of proportion whenever someone hurts you. Take a breath and talk it out.
2) Be Generous and Grateful
Everyone likes gifts or any other form of appreciation. Practicing some generosity and sharing things with a friend creates a strong bond between the two of you. Even writing a thank you note to a pal can be a gift.
The good thing with friendships is that even intangible favors, such as helping your friend babysit, can count as a generous gesture. You don’t have to wait for a person’s birthday party to give them something.
Do it in when they least expect. Check out these sentimental gifts to show your friend how much they mean to you.
3) Explore the World and Laugh
Friendships, in most cases, are born out of the fun things people do together. If you have a mutual thing you enjoy doing with someone else such as hiking, swimming, or playing a game, make sure you do it more often.
It’s also good to challenge yourself by trying new things that your friend might be interested in exploring.
Although friendships are about sacrifices, don’t do something you don’t enjoy to entice your buddy. Friends challenge us to explore new things and become better people, but never go out of your way and become uncomfortable.
Laughter is the best medicine, so don’t forget to cut loose and laugh together. With real friends, you can make bad jokes and laugh along with them.
4) Be Loyal and Trustworthy
Showing up when your friend needs you most is very important. Loyalty is an essential factor whenever you want to develop trust and cultivate friendships. Everyone enjoys some attention. It’s good to show your friends that you care and mind whatever happens to them.
Lack of trust in any friendship is a recipe for disaster. When someone trusts in you, they expect the same. Failure to cultivate trust in any friendship can lead to a feeling of betrayal.
5) Be Vulnerable
It’s not always healthy to keep things to yourself. Being vulnerable and sharing your worries with someone could be the solution. When you show your friends your soft side, it allows them to show up for you.