Let’s be honest, life is rough and sometimes we need support. A close circle of friends can help you deal with new challenges as they can offer you advice, support or just be there for you when the going gets tough. Friendships and companions have a big impact on well-being and mental health – in the current day and age, it’s so important to be comfortable sharing your thoughts, feelings and struggles with your friends. Friendships are a unique type of relationship that are different to the connections we have with our family or a romantic partner. You choose who you are friends with.
Using the internet
If you’re struggling to find people who you connect with, social media is one of the greatest tools in meeting people. Online forums and social media groups that share interests such as video games, TV shows, or even niche hobbies you think no one else likes, are amazing places to find people like you.
While the internet is an amazing mechanism for finding friends, don’t shy away from the real thing – developing face to face connection is fundamental for any friendship, and is less daunting than it seems.
Making friends as an adult
Proximity and common interests are two really important elements of friendship; we generally gravitate to those we see daily and people who share the same hobbies or traits as us, as it provides a genuine basis for something to talk about. It seems like everyone’s already got an established group of friends, which makes it hard to make new friends. However, the forced proximity of your university, tafe, or work environments can really aid in expanding social circles; being surrounded by other adults with common interests.
We are still forming our own identity, and dealing with the social pressure of growing up. These are issues that can be a bonding point for you and others. If you’re finding it difficult to interact with others your own age, try searching for common ground; maybe a viral TikTok or YouTube trend.
But remember, you should never have to feel like you need to change who you are to make friends. The reason they are your friends is to support you and make your life better, not harder. Therefore, being someone else just to make friends isn't the best idea. You are unique and special for a reason and the differences that you make you, you, are what will attract other people who are similar to you.
Change your perspective and uncover a way forward for you!
Here are some things that can help you with that.
YouTube
Great
reads
Friendtimacy by Shasta Nelson
Award-winning speaker Shasta Nelson shows how anyone can form stronger, more meaningful friendships, marked by a level of trust she calls “frientimacy”.
Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart
Ava lost everything in a horrific fire, leaving her scarred both mentally and physically. She returns to high school, feeling lonely and isolated. Then Ava meets Piper, a fellow survivor, and discovers the value of friendship, belonging and the realisation that she doesn’t have to battle her demons alone.
Big Friendship
Big Friendship will invite you to think about how your own bonds are formed, challenged, and preserved. It is a call to value your friendships in all of their complexity. Actively choose them.
Great
Films
The Breakfast Club
This a cult classic, about people who are forced to get along with each other when they find themselves in unlikely circumstances
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Charlie is an introvert. When he moves to a new school he has to face his fear: making new friends
Napoleon Dynamite
A hilarious classic about a nerdy guy who just wants to fit in. Don't we all...
Spotify
The perfect playlist to share with a friend. Just sitting here, waiting to be shared.
Podcasts
What Are Friends For?
Diving deep into meaningful, uncomfortable and joyful conversations about platonic love in a socially distanced world.
Friendshipping Podcast
A self-help podcast in which best friends Jenn and Trin answer all your uncomfortable and tricky questions about friendship and relationships in adulthood.
Would you like to get
inspired about your life?
Join a Highway session today.
If you would like to explore what’s going on for you today, then just jump on! You will be welcomed to a safe, warm, non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and uncover what is important to you. You have all the answers. Let us help you find your way.
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