As we go through life, nearly all of us acquire friends. Some make and maintain an abundance of friends; some have a number of acquaintances but only a few close friends; and some can count the number of people they call true friends, on one hand. You may even recall a time in high school or college when you had dear friends that you expected to always be close with. However, that is rarely the case. I have one friend from my high school years with whom I am still close.
Relationships are an important component of self-care. For example – my wife, who is a Pilates instructor, connected with a group of women she came to know through her classes. They have become close and do things together. These are her Pilates Pals and these connections are good for her.
Important friendships need nurturing. Think about how many times you have been on the phone with a friend, and one if you will say something like, “We need to get together for lunch.” But then it never seems to happen. We need to make it a priority to actually schedule a lunch and follow through with it. The relationship deserves that.
Finally, if you’re married, it is important for you to develop couple friends. Building relationships with other couples can provide a place for you and your spouse to relax as well as provide mutual support for those challenging times that inevitably occur. Having people that care about you in your corner, and you in theirs, can be a mutual benefit.
Friendships have probably been important in your life and they still can be. I encourage you to consider the question today – “How are your friendships?”