Have you ever had a friend who made you laugh so hard that you couldn’t stop? Or perhaps, after a bad day, talking to a special person made everything better? Friends are an essential part of our lives, and they help us through the highs and lows.
Why are friendships so important?
Not only do friendships bring us happiness and wellbeing, but they also have a positive impact on our physical health. Research shows that people with good social connections have fewer health problems. It’s not about having a certain number of friends, but rather the quality of those relationships. As you grow up and develop your identity and independence, having good friends becomes even more important. In fact, studies show that 68% of young people rely on socializing to give them a sense of wellbeing.
Maintaining friendships can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. Good friendships can last a lifetime, despite life events sometimes getting in the way. If you don’t see a close friend as much as you used to, you can keep in touch online or over the phone and then pick up where you left off when you see them again. It’s also possible to grow alongside an old friend, instead of growing apart. For example, if your taste in music changes, you can share the music you enjoy now with your friend. If you feel you’ve neglected an old friend recently, saying “sorry” is a good place to start.
How can we make new friends?
Although friendships often develop naturally, sometimes it’s necessary to actively seek new friendships. This might be the case if you’re feeling lonely or if you have friends who make you unhappy. Joining a club outside of school, perhaps based on a hobby you picked up during lockdown, can be a great way to meet new people. And think about this way: your hobby is actually your new friend, and you will meet others there who share this common friend! In fact it’s important to be yourself, and if you’re finding it hard to start a conversation, just give yourself time, there is no rush, and focus on the hobby as opposed to the people there.
What if a friendship doesn’t feel the same?
It’s important to remember that friendships can change or even come to an end, and that’s okay. Not all friendships are meant to last forever. Groups are dynamic and so are friendship groups, it does not take much to sway one way or another. Arguments and disagreement may come up, but these are all great way to explore new situations and understanding of behaviours; a great practice for life. Sometimes, we all have a lot to learn when it comes to maintaining relationships. If you’re struggling with a friendship, it’s okay to ask for help. A good tip is to give it a bit of time, try and think about what your older self would say you looking back. And perhaps don’t be afraid to say how you feel to your friends in a calm and non judgmental way.
Alexandra Turner from the Children’s Society emphasizes that there is no magic formula for making friendships work, but it’s important to keep trying and to be open to new experiences.
Friendships are an integral part of our lives, and they bring us joy, happiness, and wellbeing. This topic will come up time and time again in school in your lifeskill curriculum and again in your clubs. By actively seeking new friendships, nurturing old ones, and being open to new experiences, we can create lasting relationships that enrich our lives.
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