Navigating the realm of adult friendships is no walk in the park. Unlike the simplicity of childhood, where friendships sprouted effortlessly on playgrounds and in classrooms, adulthood brings a different challenge.
University might have been a time of flux, but it often meant a seamless transition from old friends to new ones. However, the real struggle kicks in when adult life takes us to unfamiliar territories – new cities, workplaces, or life changes. Suddenly, making friends requires a deliberate effort, a conscious decision to step out of our comfort zones.
Yet, strangely, there’s no guidebook on how to master the art of adult friendship. We weren’t taught the steps, and trial and error become our instructors. Taking that first step as adults is intimidating – the fear of rejection, the constant worry of not being liked, the nagging anxiety of intruding into someone else’s world.
Research underscores the vital role friendships play in our well-being. Dr. Marisa G. Franco, New York Times best-selling author, TED Speaker, psychologist and professor emphasizes that relying solely on romantic relationships for life fulfillment is a risky venture. It sets unrealistic expectations on one person to be everything.
The reality also is, childhood friendships, once seemingly unshakable, undergo transformations in adulthood. We evolve, our needs change, and what once made us happy may not suffice anymore.
Learning the art of making friends anew becomes a skill we never really learned. In the labyrinth of adult life, making friends is a formidable challenge, a puzzle without an instruction manual. The difficulty is real, and it’s where Amichey steps in – acknowledging this struggle and providing a starting point for those looking to navigate the complexities of adult friendships.
References:
- https://www.ted.com/talks/marisa_g_franco_the_secret_to_making_new_friends_as_an_adult
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/romantically-attached/202103/making-adult-friends-is-hard-here-are-40-reasons-why
- https://healthnews.com/mental-health/self-care-and-therapy/how-to-make-friends-as-an-adult/
