Seven ways to deepen your friendships

Friends are some of the most influential people in our lives. 

As we grow up, we end up losing some people in our lives or we simply just grow apart. 

Then we end up meeting new people who we share similar interests with and start forming bonds with them. 

We tend to be closer to the people we spend most of our time with or talking to and in that essence, we start losing touch with people who are not easily accessible to us.

And some are exempt from these rules because we barely meet or talk but we always invite them to celebrate or support us in all the situations. Our bond with these people is just too special and so close to our hearts that every time we meet or talk to them it’s like getting into a warm cozy bed on a cold day or a cup of coffee in the morning.

Yet there are those friends we just lost touch no bad blood; life just happened. 

Like any other relationship we need to play our part in order to cultivate deeper friendships.

Below are a few tips on how you can do that. 

Availability

There is no point to a friendship if one or both parties are emotionally unavailable. 

Imagine having a friend who never answers your calls or is always too busy to meet or never shows up for the good and the bad times in your life. 

This can be very heartbreaking. The least one can do is to show some effort and make a call or send a text. 

As busy as our schedule is or rather adulating, we need to create time for our friends even if it’s a five-minute call or sharing a gym class. 

Forgiveness

I know this sounds tricky but is necessary. 

Sometimes the grudges we hold against our friends don’t even make sense. So, their meeting lasted long into your date and now you don’t want to talk to them. 

Forgiveness is not instant and yes, some things take longer to forgive. But before you toss the whole friendship away, sit down, think about it and talk about it. 

Also don’t forget to ask for forgiveness when you are on the wrong.

Be open minded

The truth is we cannot have all common interests. We have things that conflict and that’s the beauty of life. 

Instead of viewing this from a point of disagreement look at it as an opportunity to know more about your friend. Be a good listener and be willing to also talk about your interests too.

Open up

Have deep meaningful conversations or the ‘DMC’s.’

By being vulnerable and opening up to your friends and them reciprocating helps strengthen the bond you have and accelerates the friendship.

However, be careful who you let in because not all friends can be trusted that way.

Create memories together

Look into what both of you enjoy doing like travelling, brunch, painting or even morning jogs and do them together. Or better yet, try new things together like trying out the new restaurant or community park.

Attend their important events 

These can be birthdays, baby showers, weddings, I mean the list is endless. This will make them feel loved and appreciated and in turn they will end up showing up in your events too. I mean the whole point of having friends is to support each other, right?

Make them happy

Everyone wants to spend time with someone that makes them happy. Make jokes and cheer them up when they had a long day. Most of us have those friends who after having a long day calling them or spending time with them ends up brightening up your day. Be that friend.