Strategies to Forge and Maintain Relationships in Maturity
Navigating the tricky waters of adult friendships can feel like a daunting task, what with life's increasing demands and ever-changing social circles. However, as our guide demonstrates, forming and nurturing adult friendships is not only achievable but essential for a life that's truly worth living. Here are ten practical, science-backed methods to make and keep those kick-ass adult friendships in your life.
Why Friendships Rock in Adulthood
Emotional Support
Friendships play a vital role in offering emotional support, reduce the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and even lower stress levels.[1] [2] By maintaining these connections, you're essentially taking care of your emotional and psychological well-being.
Mental Health Benefits
Researchers have found that friendships contribute significantly to mental health, helping you bask in better moods, cope with life's ups and downs, and experience lower levels of cortisol, the infamous stress hormone.[1] [2]
Social Connection
Connecting with like-minded individuals not only enhances your life quality but is a key factor contributing to long-term happiness and health, as discovered by the renowned Harvard Study of Adult Development.[3] Expanding your social circle also lowers the likelihood of premature death by a whopping 40%.[2]
Get Friendly: 10 Effective Ways to Make and Keep Friends as an Adult
1. Bring on the Charm
Got a smile? Use it! Smiling and being approachable make you more appealing to others, increasing your chances of forming new connections.[4]
2. Find Common Ground
Sharing interests is the basis of any good, deep relationship. Engaging in activities you're passionate about, such as joining a book club or sports team, introduces you to individuals with similar interests, potentially leading to lasting friendships.[4]
3. Party Like a Rockstar (or Zoom Like One)
Regularly attend social events, join clubs, and participate in group activities. You're likely to meet new people, forge connections, and experience personal growth.[4]
4. Make Time for Friends
Just like any other important relationship, making time for your friends is essential for maintaining those close connections. Set aside dedicated time for your peeps and watch yourself flourish![4]
5. Embrace Social Media... Wisely
Use social media platforms to keep up with current friends and make new connections. Sharing updates, engaging in conversations, and being an active listener make your friendships more vibrant.[4]
6. Listen and Empathize
Employing active listening techniques and providing support demonstrates your commitment and strengthens your bonds with friends.[4]
7. Communicate Clearly
Keep it real with your friends, addressing conflicts directly and communicating openly and honestly to build trust and better understandings.[4]
8. Lend a Helping Hand
Being there for friends during tough times showcases your reliability and strengthens your connection.[4]
9. Celebrate Together
Cherish your friends' milestones by celebrating accomplishments together. Shared successes create a stronger, more supportive friendship network.[4]
10. Embrace Differences
Seeking out diverse viewpoints broadens your horizons and fosters more inclusive relationships. Encourage personal growth and deepen your connections by learning and growing together.[4]
Remember, the key to lasting adult friendships is consistency, empathy, and making a genuine effort to understand and appreciate each other. By implementing these strategies, you're on your way to cultivating meaningful friendships that will contribute to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Sources:[1] "The Science of Living Well" (World Happiness Report, 2020)[2] "Social Relationships and Health" (Harvard University, Center for Health and the Global Environment)[3] "How Friendship Predicts Health and Longevity" (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020)[4] "The Art of Friendship" (Forbes, 2020)
Friendships in adulthood provide emotional support and mental health benefits, reducing the risk of anxiety, depression, and lowering stress levels. [1], [2] Connecting with like-minded individuals for mutual interests enhances life quality and contributes to long-term happiness and health. [3] To make and keep friends as an adult, bring on the charm, find common ground, party or Zoom like a rockstar, make time for friends, embrace social media wisely, listen and empathize, communicate clearly, lend a helping hand, celebrate together, and embrace differences. By implementing these strategies consistently, you're cultivating meaningful friendships that contribute to a happier and more fulfilling life. [4] Research supports this, as shown in The Science of Living Well, Social Relationships and Health, How Friendship Predicts Health and Longevity, and The Art of Friendship. [1], [2], [3], [4]
