Dear friend,
Welcome, or welcome back! In case you missed it:
I have lived in seven cities across five states in the last decade. Two of those moves were for career promotions, two of those moves were marriage-related. All of those moves required me to meet new people. Make new friends. And y’all – I LOVE humans. I love people. I am an extreme extrovert. And even I, as a people-loving, extremely extroverted, talkative millennial, have struggled to connect at times.
Enter this blog: all about how to make, keep, and enrich life-giving friendships that make your life more colorful, bright, and fulfilled. I invite you to come back every Monday and Thursday for friendship tips.
Think of me as your friend in the city. Your sis, encouraging you to make new connections. Today’s friendship tip is below!
Tip #5: E is for Energy-Boosting Friendship
Navigating adult friendships as a woman can be quite the adventure, wouldn’t you agree? We’re juggling careers, families, and a thousand other responsibilities, so managing our energy is key, especially when it comes to our gal pals. But here’s the secret sauce: prioritizing those friendships that light us up like a string of fairy lights can work wonders for our overall well-being. Research says so, and our hearts agree – the bonds that leave us feeling like we can conquer the world are the ones worth nurturing.
Picture this: a tribe of girlfriends who not only know your Starbucks order but also your soul. They’re the ones who lift you higher than your favorite stilettos and make life’s journey a heck of a lot more fun. Science backs it up too – these connections reduce our stress levels and amp up our joy.
But finding and fostering these magical friendships? It’s a bit of an art form. Start by taking stock of your squad – who fills your cup, and who leaves it empty? Set some boundaries, babe. It’s okay to say “no” to that girls’ night out if you’re feeling more cozy blanket than disco queen. And reciprocity? It’s like a boomerang of love – give as good as you get, and watch those bonds blossom.
- Evaluate Your Relationships: Take some time to reflect on your friendships. Consider how each one makes you feel. Are there certain individuals who consistently lift your spirits and make you feel valued? Are there others who leave you feeling drained or stressed? Evaluating your relationships can help you identify which ones are worth investing more energy into and which ones may need to be reassessed.
- Set Boundaries: Boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy friendships. It’s okay to say no to social engagements or activities that you know will leave you feeling exhausted or overwhelmed. Communicate your needs openly and honestly with your friends, and don’t be afraid to establish boundaries when necessary. True friends will respect your limits and appreciate your honesty.
- Nurture Reciprocity: Healthy friendships are built on mutual respect, trust, and reciprocity. Make an effort to give as much as you receive in your relationships. Show your friends that you value and appreciate them by being there for them when they need support, offering a listening ear, and celebrating their successes. Likewise, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help or support when you need it.
By prioritizing energy-giving friendships and implementing these tips, you can create a social circle that brings out the best in you and supports you in living your best life. Remember, it’s not about the quantity of friends you have but the quality of the connections you cultivate that truly matters.
Remember, you don’t need a ton of friends. You just need a few good ones.
Your friend in the city,
Vimbo
P.S. ❤️ Subscribe to my weekly Sunshine Emails that go out on Mondays, click HERE 😊
