Nurture Friendships for Real Deal True Friends
Authenticity Starts with You
The real secret lies in forming deeper connections with those around us. This is often the first answer to how to get true friends. And here is a bonus — science shows that close relationships have major benefits for both our mental AND physical health.
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But what exactly does a “deeper connection” entail? Hint: it’s more than just sharing a few laughs or liking the same TV show. When you’re truly connected with a real friend, you’ll feel a deep sense of empathy and care for them. You’ll motivate each other to be better and support each other through thick and thin. And forget about surface-level chit-chat, make an effort, and — you’ll be having deep, meaningful conversations that leave you feeling seen and heard.
Yet, in a meaningful relationship, we also find comfort in silence together. And chit-chat isn’t shallow, because there are all the things you both find funny or important lingering right there, barely below that surface.
Best of all, being around this person won’t feel like a chore. Instead, you’ll crave their company and make time for each other, no matter how busy life gets. So next time you’re feeling rundown or disconnected, consider reaching out to a friend and fostering that meaningful relationship — your mind and body will thank you.
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Find a True Friend, Become a True Friend
Ready for some real talk? It’s time to ditch the surface-level small talk and start building meaningful relationships with those around us. Why? Because the benefits are truly life-changing. Studies have shown that a good friend can lead to increased happiness, a longer life, and better overall health.
Think about it — when you have someone in your life who truly “gets” you, it’s like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You feel more secure and more capable of handling life’s ups and downs. And when you offer that same level of support and understanding to others, you’ll both reap rewards.
But wait, it gets even better. Turns out, meaningful relationships can actually increase your lifespan. Yup, you read that right. A study of over 300,000 people found that those with strong social connections were 50% less likely to die prematurely. That’s some serious motivation to start investing and making friends!
Last but not least, trustworthy connections can also lead to better physical health. From reducing the risk of heart disease to boosting self-esteem, having a solid support system can work wonders for your well-being. Plus, it’ll make you more empathetic, trusting, and cooperative — all qualities that make the world a better place.
So if you’re ready to start reaping the benefits of meaningful relationships, put down your phone and focus on building connections in the real world. It may take time and effort, but trust me — it’s worth it.
Making Meaningful Relationships in Your Adult Friendships
Listen up, friends — we’re about to deal with some truth bombs about how to get true friends in today’s digital age. It’s no secret that our society is plagued by superficial, disconnected communication. But fear not, because meaningful relationships are still possible — you just have to know how to make them happen.
First things first, let’s acknowledge that most of us crave genuine, deep connections with others. It’s just human nature. But how do we make it happen? Well, we’ve all got a few tricks up our sleeves — we just need to employ them from time to time. Or, really, more often than not. A true friend is someone who makes you feel seen and heard.
A Good Friend Makes You Feel Safe to Open Up
One of the key elements of a deeper friendship is being open with one another. You can’t just expect the other person to be open with you and not give the same openness in return.
It’s impossible to maintain a deep connection with someone when you’re guarded. So, be willing to open up and talk about the things that are important to you. You don’t need to share all of your innermost secrets, but it is important to trust your friends enough to be real with them.
The more open you are, the more meaningful relationship you’ll make have — good friends, real friends. Authentic friends.
Stay Connected: Keep Your Relationships Strong
As life gets busy and responsibilities pile up, it’s easy to let friendships slip. However, if you’re serious about developing meaningful relationships and keeping your close friends, you’ll need to commit to staying in touch. The key is to make regular communication a priority.
Connecting in a true friendship doesn’t feel like an obligation; it’s a pleasure. You can stay in touch with a quick phone call, or catch up over coffee once a week or month (even if it means meeting halfway). Consistency is key, and even small gestures can make a big impact on the strength of your friendships.
Time spent with friends creates memories, and we will know each other more deeply, the good and bad.
Listening: Real Friends Keep Your Secrets!
When the going gets tough, don’t chicken out. True friendships aren’t just about sunshine and rainbows. They’re about sticking together through thick and thin. So, if you’re going through a rough patch, don’t be a faker. Be upfront about what’s going on and how you feel.
The more you keep it real, the more your friends will respect you. This also encourages them to level with you. Real talk, you can’t forge a deep bond without being authentic and discussing the big things in life.
Admittedly, it’s hard to cultivate genuine friendships in our fast-paced world. But, if you heed this advice, you’ll be well on your way to forming meaningful connections. Remember, honesty and quality time are the keys to true friendship.
Make Friends & Go Meaningful Through Listening
Listen up, folks! If you want to build stronger relationships with others, then you need to master the lost art of listening. Nowadays, it seems like everyone is too busy listening to the voices in their own heads to pay attention to what others are saying. But fear not, for we have some tips on how to be a better listener and improve your relationships with others.
Being Present Makes a True Friend
First things first, make sure you are fully present in the conversation. Don’t let your thoughts drift off to La-La Land when someone else is trying to talk to you. Focus on the other person and what they are saying, and try not to interrupt them just so you can get your own two cents in.
Love and Support with Intent
Another thing to keep in mind is to listen with the intent to learn. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and try to learn something from it. Don’t just listen to be polite; listen like there’s going to be a pop quiz at the end.
It’s also important to Make Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact is also crucial when you’re trying to show someone that you’re interested in what they’re saying. Sure, staring into their eyes non-stop might come off as creepy, but don’t let your gaze wander off too much. Keep your eyes on them to show that you’re fully engaged in the conversation.
Respond with Empathy and Show Interest!
Remember, becoming a great listener isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time and effort to develop good listening habits. But with a little effort, you’ll be well on your way to developing deeper, more meaningful relationships with others.
A True Friend is Someone You Enjoy
Emily and Soolyn met at a book club meeting and hit it off right away. They both love reading psychological thriller novels and could talk for hours about their favorite authors and plot twists.
As they started to spend more time together, they noticed that they always felt happier and energized when they were in each other’s company. They also found that it was easy to open up to each other about their personal lives, sharing stories about their families, careers, and dreams.
A Good Friend Grows with You
Over time, Emily and Soolyn developed a deep level of trust, knowing that they could confide in each other without fear of judgment. They supported each other through tough times and celebrated each other’s successes.
Whenever they got together, they were fully present, in the moment, enjoying each other’s company and the shared experience of reading and discussing books. Their connection was undeniable, and they both felt grateful to have found such a wonderful friend in each other.
Make New Friends, Are They True Friends?
Are you wondering if you’ve got a true-blue connection with someone? In today’s world where we’re constantly bombarded with digital connections, it can be tough to feel genuinely connected with someone in real life.
Here are some of the signs to look out for when you’ve got an authentic connection with someone.
The Dream: Possibilities in Friendships with People You are Getting to Know
First off, you’ll feel like a happy, but relaxed puppy around them. Your energy levels will rise, and you’ll feel more confident in dealing with this crazy world.
Heck, you won’t even need to do anything fancy to feel that way. Just chilling out and talking with them will be enough to make you feel alive and kicking.
Mindful Living with True Friendship
Next up, you’ll find yourself living in the moment when with friends. You won’t be stuck in your head thinking about the past or worrying about the future.
You’ll more easily be fully immersed in the present moment, soaking up all the good vibes that come with being around someone you connect with.
How to Get True Friends — Be Real
Thirdly, you’ll be an open book around them. Likely, you won’t feel reservations about sharing your thoughts and feelings with them. You’ll feel you can trust them with your deepest, darkest secrets, and they’ll do the same with you. It’s like having a built-in support system, and it feels awesome.
Trust Builds Over Time
And lastly, there’s that magic word that makes everything possible: trust. When you have a deep connection with someone, you’ll trust them implicitly. You won’t have any doubts about their intentions, and you’ll know that they’ll always have your back.
Reality Check — All I Just Described is Rare — Not Meant to Dishearten or Intimidate…
But what about when you don’t have a deep connection with someone? Well, you’ll know it when you feel it. You’ll find yourself stuck in awkward silences, making small talk about the weather or other trivial stuff.
You might even feel drained after being around them, and you’ll be careful not to say the wrong thing around them.
And, sadly, the truth is, there are covert narcissists, selfish users, and charming backstabbers everywhere. And, yeah, it is possible, maybe even probable you will fall prey to one or more.
Be wise, and be real. You may be recovering from a toxic friendship and are leary to put your heart at risk again. I get that. I deeply, truly get that.
How to Get True Friends? Make Friends with Family
Gone are the days when the norm was that families spent ample time together. Technology dominates our free time. But fear not! There are ways to create deeper connections with family.
- Ensure You Spend Consistent Regular Together
Margot and Collete designate every Sunday as “family day.” They steer clear of screens and plan an outing that allows them to bond as a family. They might visit a museum, take a hike, or hit the farmer’s market. Whatever they do, they do it together, with intention and joy.
- Host Family Dinner Times
The sisters make it a priority to share at least two meals together each week. They cook together, eat together, and converse together. No phones are allowed at the table, so they can focus on one another. During these meals, they share stories, jokes, and dreams, strengthening their family bond.
- Spend One-on-One Time with Each Member
Margot takes Collete for a coffee date every other Wednesday. A weekly phone catch-up is key when you are far from your family. These weekly meetups give us the chance to connect on a deeper level, free from distractions. It’s a time to share their thoughts, hopes, and fears.
- Encourage Open, Non-Judgmental Discussions
When Collete shares her struggles with Margot, Margot listens with an open heart and mind. She refrains from judgment and criticism, instead offering a listening ear and a supportive hug. This kind of communication fosters trust and emotional intimacy, making their sisterly bond stronger than ever.
How to Get True Friends? Try Work Friends
Are you tired of feeling disconnected from your coworkers? Do you dread going to work each day? Well, it’s time to start building deeper connections with the people you work with!
Spending the majority of your time at work means it’s important to have strong relationships with your colleagues. Not only will it make your work life more enjoyable, but it can also have a positive impact on your performance. When you have deeper connections, you’ll feel more motivated to complete tasks and your colleagues will too. A happy and connected team is a productive one!
True Friends Can Be Found, Even at Work
When you have closer relationships with your coworkers, you’ll look forward to going to work each day. This can significantly boost your overall life satisfaction.
And, as an added bonus, developing these connections can help you discover new ideas and perspectives that you might not have thought of before. This can lead to more effective job performance and a more efficient workflow.
Less Stress, More Meaningful Relationships
Another great benefit of building deeper connections at work is that it can help reduce workplace stress. When you have strong relationships with your colleagues, you’ll have someone to talk to when you’re feeling overwhelmed. This can help you cope with stress and improve your overall well-being.
A True Friend will Have Your Back at Work
Finally, building deeper connections at work means you’ll have an extra support system. You can never have too many friends or too much support in life! And, who knows, these relationships could even help you progress in your career by providing networking opportunities.
Remember, building deeper connections takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Start by following the above tips and foster healthier, happier, and deeper workplace connections. Who knows what kind of positive impact it could have on your life and career?
How to Get True Friends? Go Deeper with Your Partner
How to Build a Lasting Connection with Your Significant Other
Want to take your relationship to the next level? Then you need to put in the work, my friend. But don’t worry, it’s totally worth it. When you have a deeper connection with your S.O., your relationship will be happier and healthier than ever before.
Meet Alex and Courtney. They’ve built an authentic connection, and you can too. Here are some tips they swear by:
Make Time for Each Other
Listen up, lovebirds. If you’re always busy with work or your own thing, it’s tough to feel connected. So, take a break from the daily grind and plan some quality time together.
Alex and Courtney love to have regular date nights. They turn off their phones and avoid any other distractions. It’s all about being present in the moment and enjoying each other’s company.
Have Meaningful Conversations
Small talk? Boooring. Instead, focus on meaningful discussions that bring you closer together. Share your hopes and dreams for the future. Talk about what’s going on in your life. Get deep, people! That’s where the real connection happens.
Admit When You’re Wrong
We know, we know. Admitting you’re wrong can be tough. But it’s an essential part of any healthy relationship. When you own up to your mistakes, it diffuses tension and shows your S.O. that you’re willing to be vulnerable. It’s a two-way street, so make sure your partner feels comfortable doing the same.
Show Your Love
Actions speak louder than words, folks. Show your partner that you care in ways that matter to them. Maybe it’s doing something nice for them when they’re having a tough day. Or maybe it’s telling them how much you love and appreciate them. Whatever it is, make sure you’re doing it often. Little things can make a big difference.
How to Get True Friends? Embrace Your Differences
Let’s face it, no two people are exactly alike. And that’s a good thing! It’s what makes relationships interesting. So, don’t try to change your partner. Instead, embrace your differences and learn to love each other for who you are. Alex and Courtney have totally different hobbies and interests, but they support each other no matter what.
There you have it, folks. Building a lasting connection with your S.O. takes time and effort, but it’s totally worth it. Keep working on it, and you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier relationship in no time.
Does Small Talk Have Its Place or Is It a Waste of Time?
When you’re looking to make deeper connections, small talk is often considered detrimental. However, did you know it can actually help you to make those deeper connections you crave?
Here, we’ll look at whether small talk has a place in meaningful relationships or whether it’s simply a waste of time.
What Is Small Talk? Start Here to Get True Friends
We have to start somewhere in our quest to get real friends.
Small talk is defined as an informal conversation without meaning. It is considered polite to make small talk with colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers. The topics covered in small talk are unimportant and don’t provide much substance.
However, while it is based on topics that don’t provide much in the way of value, it can actually be an important part of bonding.
The Benefits of Small Talk for Meaningful Relationships
While deeper connections with people don’t tend to generate much in the way of small talk, that doesn’t mean it isn’t pivotal in everyday life. In fact, small talk can have a number of benefits, including:
- Helps you to build up a bond
- Acts as a great conversation starter
- Prevents awkward silences
- It can feel easier
Most significantly, small talk can help you to build up a bond with the person you’re talking to. While deep and meaningful conversations are the ultimate goal, you can’t start out talking about deeper topics with strangers. So, instead, you need to start off with small talk before you can build up to those deeper conversations.
It can be difficult to strike up a conversation with a stranger. That’s where small talk really comes in useful. It acts as an awesome conversation starter, helping you to potentially build up to stronger relationships.
You’ll also be able to use it to fill in any awkward silences. You’re not going to be able to build up a deeper connection with everyone. So, for strangers and mere acquaintances, small talk can prove invaluable.
Finally, another benefit is that it can help you to feel good. Deep conversations are awesome, but they can be draining. If you were to solely focus on deep and meaningful conversations, it can start to really take a strain mentally. Small talk is easy (for some more than others), and it takes minimal effort (again for some). So, sometimes it can feel good to chat about the trivial things in life.
Top Tips for Making Small Talk
Now that we’ve covered some of the benefits of small talk, it’s time to look at how to become better at it.
Firstly, start with open-ended questions which require more than a yes or no answer. People generally like to talk about themselves, so asking how they are and what they are up to is a great conversation starter.
You could talk about the event you’re attending together, the weather, your favorite TV shows, and hobbies. Food is another great topic, as are work and sports.
As you can see, small talk does have its uses. While it’s not going to leave you feeling deeply fulfilled, it can act as a starting block for developing deeper connections.
Questions to Ask Someone for Authentic Real Friendship
Looking to build deeper connections with people? An easy way to do this is to ask the right questions.
When you ask someone questions, it gives you the opportunity to really get to know them. It also shows you are interested in getting to know them, which can be quite rare in this day and age.
So, what questions should you be asking to develop those strong, meaningful relationships? Below, you’ll find some of the best questions to ask someone if you want a real friendship, a genuine connection.
Ask Them about Their Childhood — True Friends Care
To have a deeper connection with someone, you need to know what makes them tick. This means finding out more about their childhood experiences.
You could ask a range of questions to learn more about their childhood such as:
“What was your favorite toy growing up?”
“What is the first memory you remember as a child?”
“Which parent did you feel closest to and why?”
These questions reveal a little more about their childhood experience and how it shaped them into the person they are today. People generally like to reminisce about their past, so they’ll also appreciate the interest you’re showing.
“If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself?”
This isn’t just a great question for you to get to know the other person better. It also helps them assess their life and what they’ve learned. This can be great in terms of personal development.
When we think about the things we have gone through and the lessons they have taught us, it provides us with a pearl of newfound wisdom. This question can also surprisingly help us to accept situations and the things that have happened to us.
“If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?”
What are their passions and how would they like to use them? What skills do they wish they had to help them live a more passionate life?
With this question, you’ll get to discover more about what the person truly wants in life. You’ll learn more about their personality and you may even find you wish you had the same skills.
After they’ve revealed what skill they would learn, you could even discuss whether it’s possible to learn it now. This would make them happier, as well as strengthen the connection between you. Encouraging someone to be the best person they can be is part of having a deeper connection.
“What is one thing you don’t share with people?”
You’ll need to have a bond already with them to ask this question. It can really help to build up trust, as well as strengthen the relationship you have together. Sharing secrets or things we seldom address, provided you keep them, is what really cements a deeper, stronger connection.
These are just a very small number of questions you can ask someone to build a deeper connection. It’s about moving away from the small talk and really getting to know the other person. So, if you’re looking to develop a deep connection, start with the questions above.
Getting true friends can be a challenging task, but it is possible. Here are some key steps to take:
- Be yourself: Authenticity is key to developing genuine friendships. Don’t try to be someone you’re not to impress others.
- Be a good listener: People appreciate when they feel heard and understood. Practice active listening and show genuine interest in what others have to say.
- Share your interests: One way to connect with others is by sharing your hobbies and passions. This can help you find people with similar interests.
- Participate in group activities: Joining clubs, organizations, or groups that align with your interests can be an excellent way to meet new people and build meaningful relationships.
- Show support: Be there for your friends when they need you. Show empathy, offer encouragement, and be willing to lend a helping hand.
- Be reliable: Keep your promises, be punctual, and follow through on commitments. This builds trust and reliability, which are essential for lasting friendships.
- Be patient: Building true friendships takes time. Don’t rush the process and be willing to invest time and effort into cultivating meaningful relationships.
Remember that everyone is different, and the process of making friends can be different for everyone. Be open-minded, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people.
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