How to Develop Close Friendships

This last year has been a focus on isolation and separation. We've had to stay distant from people and try to figure out how to still connect. Since the pandemic hit, depression and anxiety have been on the rise.

Creating space for close friendships is crucial to living a healthy, balanced life. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many benefits to prioritizing close friendships. Among these is an increase in our sense of belonging, improved happiness, and reduced stress.

Ok, friendships are important. Now what?

Like any important relationship, we need to make spending time with friends a priority. Growing close friendships doesn’t happen overnight so here are some key ways go about it:

• Be the type of friend you'd want to have: picture your perfect friendship and what qualities it embodies. Take the initiative to cultivate those qualities in your friendships.
• Be vulnerable and allow people to know you: learn to be open, honest, and authentic in your close friendships. Help them get to know the real you and let them know how much you appreciate them.
• Invest in healthy friends: we all have good friendships and those that are toxic. Invest in good friends and learn to remove the toxic ones.

Some friendships are long-term and some are only for a short time. The friends you are consistent with will endure from one season to the next.

How are you investing in friends these days?