7 secrets: how to create a lifelong friendship
Science says that having strong connections prolongs life and makes it more meaningful. People who have friends are socially adapted and avoid stress and chronic diseases.
At the same time, according to the Your Tango website, finding real friends for an adult is not just psychologically difficult. You can't just walk up to someone like in childhood and say, "Be my friend!"
In fact, studies have shown that friendships fade away after the age of 25, and the number of existing friends is reduced to 2-3 people, and sometimes to zero.
This problem is especially relevant if you are an introvert, but in general, in adult life, we are much more afraid of rejection or judgment than in childhood.
Researchers have found that reducing your social circle or not having enough close friends has the same risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. If you take care of yourself, you can certainly live a long and healthy life. However, if you want this life to be full of meaning and joy, you simply need to make friends.
Here are some tips on how to do that.
Get out of the house more often
Having responsibilities doesn't mean that there is nothing left in life but them. Neglecting yourself, giving up on your dreams, not having fun and enjoying yourself is not the answer and definitely not the best way to make friends.
So don't avoid hobbies and meet like-minded people. Focus on building your personal life and enjoying it. To begin with, become your best friend. This is where happiness begins.
Reconnect with old friends
Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, you probably had friends at school or college. Start by contacting them via social media (email), calling them up and asking to meet up.
This is much easier than meeting new people. Even if you haven't spoken in the last few years, you'll feel a connection faster and possibly renew an old friendship.
Open mindedness helps you make friends
If you are sure in advance that you will be rejected or ignored, you will never be able to make friends. To achieve a positive outcome, you need to be open-minded and remain a child in some ways. Don't worry, don't think too much, and keep your behavior natural. Open mindedness means just going with the flow.
Learn to say "yes"
To make friends, you should welcome new opportunities, not run away from them. You have to be proactive. And when someone offers to chat or invites you somewhere, say yes. Of course, you shouldn't spend time with people you don't like or do things you don't like, but hiding from people is not the answer either.
Remember that the more often you decline invitations, the less often you will be invited. So get out of your "prison" and start saying yes to life.
Become a volunteer
A great way to meet like-minded people and make friends is to volunteer for a cause you enjoy. You'll undoubtedly meet a lot of new people who are passionate about the same things you are, and it's a great way to make lasting friendships.
Go to the gym
It may sound like a cliché, but it works.
By playing sports in a company, you will not only learn a lot, but you will also meet people who may inspire you to new achievements and later become reliable friends.
Don't ignore the power of the Internet
There are many friendship apps that allow you to meet people both in your city and around the world. For example, Bumble, Meetup, and others help you communicate with people who share similar interests. In addition, you can use social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find old and new friends.
Online dating can be a bit awkward, but if done right, it can lead to lifelong friendships. You can also search for like-minded people online by browsing hashtags that you find interesting or related to your hobbies and interests.
