Tainted relationships may lead to feelings of solitude and isolation.
In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing well-being isn't just about attending to current feelings, but also considering what's best for the long-term. A consistent approach to life is essential for maintaining and nurturing strong friendships, as inconsistency can weaken bonds and even lead to the erosion of friendships.
One of the reasons for inconsistency might be personal issues that require professional help. Issues such as low self-esteem, hyper-independence, avoidant attachment style, or cynicism can sometimes make us retreat from social interactions, leading to being an absentee friend. Seeking therapy can help address these issues and enable us to be more present and engaged in our friendships.
Before you RSVP to an event, it's crucial to ensure your "yes" is a thoughtful one. Double-booking yourself can be disrespectful and may communicate a lack of care and consideration for your friends' time and plans. On the other hand, being a reliable and consistent friend can boost well-being, according to studies, by improving mood and self-esteem.
Dr. Marisa G. Franco, a psychologist, advises that canceling should only happen for emergencies or serious extenuating circumstances. Boundaries are important, but becoming entitled to cancel whenever you want and still expecting future invitations is not a boundary, but a selfish desire for permission to act on your whims regardless of how that behavior affects others.
According to Danielle Bayard Jackson, a women's relational health educator, being a good friend involves traits such as self-confidence, trustworthiness, and a willingness to trust others. To avoid being a bad friend and build a strong support network, focus on openness, patience, showing up emotionally when it matters, and investing time and effort in shared interests and difficult conversations.
Building strong friendships and support networks takes time and effort, but the benefits are numerous. Being part of such a supportive community can provide people to lean on during tough times, increase resilience, and foster mutual growth through ongoing, intentional relationships. Participating in community activities, volunteering, and connecting through community platforms can expand your support network and help you reconnect with existing relationships.
Adopting the "villager" mindset, as Chicago-based photographer Rachel Lovely puts it, means living bravely, connecting through shared experiences, and practicing respect and empathy. This approach can lead to a greater sense of purpose, joy, community, and belonging, as well as improved well-being and longevity.
In conclusion, strong friendships and support networks are built over time through openness, meaningful engagement, respecting others’ paths, and showing up consistently—qualities essential to being a good friend and a valued member of your community or "village." It's important to learn the distinctions between healthy, necessary sacrifice, over-giving or people-pleasing, and selfish behavior to maintain a balanced and fulfilling social life.
- Pursuing personal growth and self-improvement through education, self-development, and mental health therapies can equip individuals with the necessary skills and mindset to forge meaningful and lasting friendships.
- Integrating health-and-wellness practices, such as proper self-care and nurturing relationships, into one's lifestyle can lead to an overall improvement in well-being and increased resilience in the long term.
- Supporting friends by being present, showing empathy, and offering emotional support contributes to both personal and collective growth, fostering stronger relationships and a stronger sense of community, which further enhances mental health and well-being.
