Meaningful friendships are a plus to one’s social life whether you are a parent or not.
Making new friendships can be a bit difficult and exhausting for some people.
Maintaining them can also be hectic if the energy put in is not mutual.
Experiences from our previous friendships can shape how we view friendships and what we look for in new friendships.
Here are some ways to make meaningful friendships.
Embrace vulnerability
It is easy to hide how you are feeling, or what you are going through in friendships.
However, you need to open up your door and share it with your friends.
Deeper connections are made when you are not trying to hide behind perfectionism.
Avoid comparisons
Your friend got a new job, or opportunity, or they are doing well and better than you, clap for them.
Avoid comparing yourself to them or their wins and losses, it builds resentment.
Let go of friendship PTSD
Friendships post-traumatic stress disorder is real.
Let go of previous friendships that did not work, they ghosted you, broke up with you, or that came to an end without closure.
For you to make new friends you need to work on the PTSD and let go.
Reach out to your new friends and see what happens.
Change your expectations
Friendships are about service. Change your expectations of how a friendship should look like.
For example, learn how they want to process the situation instead of how you think the situation should be processed.
Be the friend you want to have
Be a friend to yourself first, and fill your cup.
