All human relationships have their nuances, but in a distraction-filled world, friendships can be especially tricky waters to navigate at times. The following are a few tips to maintain positive, proactive, relationships for the betterment of your and your community’s mental health.
You’ve known your pal for years, but all of a sudden, your close friendship has changed. They seem distant from you, avoid hanging out and/or ignore your calls. Sound familiar? You might assume it’s on you, “What’s wrong with me?” or, “What did I do wrong?” It hurts when there’s no rationale for why someone would become distant. But, as with any friendship, there’s no need to panic when you’re experiencing a friendship breakdown.
People, events, and contexts inevitably change. It’s a part of life that everyone experiences. How you react to friendship obstacles determines the direction of the relationship moving forward. While acknowledging that challenges will arise, here are four strategies you can use to bolster a friendship:
Communicate: It’s alarming how often we avoid authentic communication in relationships. If you think there’s something below the surface that needs to be discussed, get to the bottom of it. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. If your friend declines your request to discuss the issue, then accept they’re not ready. Often, challenges resolve when the time is right. If you’ve reached out on multiple occasions without success, give them space and do your best to accept this fact.
Work on yourself: It’s cliche, but turning your attention inward will never lead you astray. It’s easy to get thrown off the horse when you’re obsessing over situations you can’t control. It’s common to let events in our lives distract us from taking proper care of ourselves. Eating well, exercising, keeping a routine, and taking time for hobbies you enjoy are vital to maintaining healthy relationships with friends.
Show effort: When you have the same friends for years, it’s easy to assume they’ll always be there for you no matter what, and visa versa. However, friendships are like any other living thing, they need input and a little tendering. With job changes, the introduction of a new family member, or a move, life changes, and inevitably has impacts on relationships. Accordingly, choose to put effort into those relationships that matter most to you.
Actively listen: As the Dalai Lama wisely expressed, “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know, but if you listen, you may learn something new.” One of the most important parts of being a friend is listening, so take the time to participate in the conversation actively and show that you care about them.
Friendships are a key component to happiness and help you persist through life’s difficulties because you’re not in it alone. Keep in mind that relationship challenges should not be avoided but rather seen as opportunities for growth.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, request an appointment with one of our professional mental health providers at Diversus Health today. If you need immediate assistance, call our crisis hotline at 844-493-8255, or text ‘TALK’ to 38255.