Remember that awkward phase between high school and adulthood? New jobs, new loves, new everything – it’s enough to make you want to crawl back under your childhood blanket fort. And guess what else gets tossed in that blender of change? Friendships!
Suddenly, your best bud who used to inhale an entire pizza and downed a 2-liter of Mountain Dew with you is jet-setting off to Bali on her “Eat, Pray, Love” quest, while you’re stuck slinging lattes to afford ramen. Communication dwindles from daily texts to the occasional “OMG! You won’t believe what happened…” message a month later. Fear not old friends! Just because life throws you both a curveball (or ten) doesn’t mean your squad gets relegated to the dusty corners of your memory.
When it comes to sharing the ride, here are some strategies for keeping your friends connected through life’s twists and turns:
Be the Brunch Buddy, Not the Flake:
Be the most valuable planner (MVP). Don’t wait for your friend to be the social butterfly. Sometimes, adulting is exhausting, and hitting that “send” button for a hangout feels like scaling Mount Everest. Channel your inner party planner and throw some ideas their way, whether it’s a virtual happy hour (because who doesn’t love PJs and cocktails?) or a nostalgic re-watch of your favorite childhood show. Remember, consistency is key!
Ditch the Scorecard:
Life isn’t a competition for the “Most Adulting Adult” award. Your friend might be rocking a perfect Instagram life with a house, spouse, and 2.5 kids, while you’re still figuring out how to fold a fitted sheet. Much of this can just be a highlight reel. Don’t fall into the comparison trap! Celebrate their wins (because true friends do that), and remember, everyone’s on their own unique journey. Your season of awesomeness is coming, hold tight!
Upgrade Your Listening Skills:
Let’s be honest, sometimes friend catch-ups turn into a one-woman (or man) monologue about your epic adventures (or existential dread). Fight the urge to dominate the conversation! Ask open-ended questions, truly listen to their responses, and offer support. Being a good listener shows you care, even if their season of life looks like a documentary from an entirely different planet right now.
Friendship Isn’t a One-Way Street:
Healthy friendships are a two-way exchange, not a bottomless mimosa bar. Think about ways to support your friends, big or small. Need a shoulder to cry on after a bad date? There you are. Need help brainstorming a killer resume? Have a side hustle or small business idea they want to get some advice? Consider it done. True friendship is about giving as much as you receive. It may not always be a 50/50 split, but just make sure in the long run that the “give and take” is averaging out close to even.
Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Destination:
Life throws us around on these wild rides, good and bad. Be there for your friends through thick and thin, celebrating their victories and commiserating through their losses. Remember, friendships are built on shared experiences, not just picture-perfect moments.
So, raise a metaphorical glass or coffee mug to your amazing friends, no matter what life throws their way. Because true connections, like a perfectly seasoned dish, only get better with time.