What’s Your Friendship Priority? Nurturing Connections in Changing Times!

Introduction:

Friendships are like the ever-shifting tides of the sea, changing with time and circumstances. The friend you considered your best last year might not be as close this year. It's a reality many of us face, but it's also an opportunity for growth and renewal. In this article, we explore the significance of friendships, their evolving nature, and the benefits they bring to our lives. We'll delve into the importance of prioritizing friendships, especially in these challenging times, and discuss practical ways to make new friends while preserving the cherished bonds of old.

The Power of Friendship:

Friendships are not just bonds; they are lifelines. They offer numerous benefits, including improved mental health, companionship, support, and a sense of belonging. Friends are the ones who celebrate our joys and comfort us during our sorrows. They are our sounding boards, our confidants, and the family we choose for ourselves.

Friendship Priorities Through Life Stages:

Our friendship priorities often change as we progress through different stages of life:

1. Younger Years: Trust and Support

In our teens and twenties, we often wonder if our Best Friends Forever (BFFs) have our backs. Trust and support are paramount in these years, as we navigate the complexities of youth.

2. Thirties: Shared Humor, Inspiration, and Family

As we mature into our thirties, we seek friends who share our sense of humor, inspire us, and might even serve as second families. These are the friends we can rely on, not just for ourselves but also for our growing families.

3. Fifties and Beyond: Finding New Friends

By our fifties, we may have established a strong friend base, but the pandemic and the passage of time might have reduced our numbers. This is the stage where we must consider adding new friends to our inner circle.

Making New Friends in Changing Times:

The idea of making new friends can be daunting, especially with the stigma attached to putting oneself out there. However, there are ways to overcome this challenge and nurture new connections:

1. Virtual Socializing:

Virtual gatherings have become increasingly popular. Start a trivia team, join a Jeopardy-watching group, or engage in a shared hobby or interest via Zoom. You'd be amazed at the new friendships you can form virtually.

2. Joining Online Groups:

Zoom groups aren't limited to trivia and game nights. You can find and join online book clubs, and Bible study groups, or even connect with people who share unique interests like cowboy boots or any hobby you're passionate about.

3. Social Media Connections:

Social media platforms like Facebook offer the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. If you wish to start a prayer group, a simple post can lead to the formation of a meaningful community.

Safety Considerations:

It's vital to exercise caution when making new friends, especially online. Avoid sharing personal information like home addresses and phone numbers. Stay vigilant against trolls, bots, and other online threats.

Remember there are a lot of “Crazies, Trolls” Bots, both Russian and American Bot, not to mention good old Crazy Cousin Bubba (LOL), and a few flying saucers pretending to be people out there on the internet. Be careful. If you want to learn how to spot a “Russian Bot” here’s an article from Mother Jones.

Conclusion:

Your friendship priorities may evolve over the years, but the importance of nurturing these connections remains constant. Good friends are worth the effort, and there are always opportunities to make new ones. Embrace the changes, welcome new friendships into your life, and remember that in each stage of life, friends are the threads that weave a beautiful tapestry of memories and support. Cherish your friendships, old and new, as they are the pillars of a fulfilling life.

Photo byImage from creative commons Canstock, Pexel, made on Canva!