Recently, I have been able to spend the weekend with 2 of my four core friends, and I was feeling so blessed for those connections of over 30 years. And these are not the typical “we lost touch for 12 years, and now we are back” stories you hear from people. We have been a consistent part of each other’s lives for 30 years, and I love and value them so much that it sparked me to talk about friendships. Friendships have always been a vital part of human life, offering us support, connection, and a sense of belonging. However, as times change, so do our relationships. The digital age, in particular, has brought about significant changes in how we form, maintain, and navigate friendships.
Social media and online platforms have expanded our opportunities for connection. I know that with Facetime and Zoom, my friends and I have been able to stay connected no matter where we are in the world. But the internet has also become a space where people can find like-minded individuals, share their thoughts, and form meaningful relationships. Yet, it also brings new challenges, such as the pressure to maintain an online persona… which may not be their authentic selves. Virtual friendships can be genuine and supportive, yet they do not replace face-to-face interactions.
With many people spending a significant portion of their lives at work, friendships in the workplace have taken on greater importance. People often form these unique friendships out of necessity. When you are around someone 40 hours or more a week, these friendships provide support and camaraderie. However, they can also bring about unique challenges due to workplace dynamics and culture. I have always known that work friendships were important, but I believe the pandemic shined a brighter light on the importance of these relationships. Once people were without them, there was a significant amount of loneliness reported from those who were home with family but away from their co-workers—showing the importance of the relationships that often go overlooked.
Friendship, like any other relationship, can sometimes come to an end. The reasons for friendship breakups vary, from changing values to life transitions. These can be emotionally challenging and draining experiences, and I do not think we discuss it enough. It seems like only romantic relationships are deemed important and worthy of exploring. Maintaining healthy boundaries in friendships is crucial. Respecting your limits and those of your friends allows friendships to thrive, and a lack of boundaries is usually part of a friendship’s demise. Boundaries are essential for maintaining relationships that are both fulfilling, supportive, and healthy.
As always, remember that your relationship with yourself sets the tone for all your other relationships. Self-compassion, self-awareness, and self-care are key components of healthy friendships.
