Meaningful friendships- 6 ways to build closer connections

Statistics show that 1/2 of Americans consider themselves to be lonely.

While the number is staggering, it doesn’t surprise me at all; does it surprise you? Many feel a sense of emptiness due to a lack of sincere and lasting relationships. It can feel hard to invest in a special friendship for various reasons…

Challenge yourself to set them all aside!

Being connected to others socially is widely considered a fundamental human need – apa.org

If you have been reading this blog for a while you know that I ♥ to encourage the building of community through friendship. That is by design because I consistently hear the heart cry of people who long for such intimacy!

(If you are new, you can read those by clicking here, here, and here.)

How do you make a friendship meaningful?

Everyone wants to be included.

Being the new person in a group (or a town!), entering an unknown season of life, being swamped with our family’s needs, or being a natural introvert can all give shaky knees to put ourselves out there when life already feels full.

Can I just share something here? I have been in many of those situations. To be really vulnerable, sometimes I am not immune and feel lonely too.

Right in my world surrounded by wonderful people.

I have to constantly practice what I preach and force myself to get out there again and again. We all to be included, remembered, invited…remember that everyone else wishes for the same thing.

That is just part of the process of starting over for a million reasons,

Because we can have unmet needs in ALL situations. In our marriage, having to start over in a new place, or whatever YOUR reason is? We all have to take a risk to develop authentic friendships.

Especially after the last few years, people seem to feel a bit lost in reconnecting well.

1 Thessalonians 5:11- Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing

I treasure each of the people in my life! Friendships are a gift and a foundation when we are shaky. Let’s look a the return on our investment when we let ourselves be vulnerable in building relationships…

6 important reasons for meaningful Relationships

Accountability– true friends care about the outcome of our lives. without judgment, they can remind us of what we stand for, where we are headed, and why our values define us. We stay on the right track easier with friends to keep an eye on the path with us, where we can link arms and hold each other steady
Joy– studies show that laughter really does affect our level of happiness and contentment. Spending time with people who make us smile, treat us with thoughtfulness, and share our humor offers scientific contributions to our well-being. And we do the same for them!
Loyalty– we all need someone who has our back, who knows that even if we are a bit off, they’ll stick with us publicly (and then talk to us privately if needed). These people won’t gossip behind our back, they won’t chase our men and they won’t feel the need to one-up us in a group. They love us without reservation and give us the opportunity to provide that same loyalty in return
Encouragement– there is an inestimable value in having someone who believes in us, even when we don’t believe in ourselves. When life is challenging, we all need a person to tell us that we are enough. That our worth is not defined by others. That we are made for more. That we are unique and wonderful just because of how we are today…not once we fit a mold
Adventure– remember that old movie Thelma and Louise? We don’t have to take it that far, but a good friend can explore our corners of the world with us. Another set of eyes that enjoy a shared interest. Whether you (like me!) find fun exploring abandoned places, going on day trips, or anything that floats your boat…chances are, someone else wants to join the fun
Dependability– there just aren’t enough words to adequately define the value of a friend who stands in the gap when our needs are greatest. When sickness, job loss, depression, crumbling relationships or ANY of life’s biggest falls happen we need people to hold us up. We are blessed by having the opportunity to do this for others. This is a treasure, the gem of the gift of friendship

Why is it important to have meaningful friendships?

Let your guard down and invite friends in.

When we feel alone, it can be intimidating to take a chance on friendship. I promise you it is worth it, 100%, always.

Friendship will sometimes disappoint you. We are human and imperfect. Those qualities are vital to building intimacy that lasts. We let people down, we lift people up. It is okay to be imperfect with each other.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity

Being yourself is the secret to a lasting friendship, and if this has been hard for you in the past? Please don’t give up. You deserve the joy of a dear relationship!

Maybe no one ever set an example of the value of this investment, this allowance of letting your guard down and inviting people in.

Be a good friend to have those meaningful friendships

Today, vow to change that. Life is so much better with people to share it with all its ups and downs.

To find a good friend, start by being a good friend!

Give generously of yourself and you will be rewarded with the 6 benefits listed above. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time. A natural progression is just that…natural.

Whether you are designed for a small close circle, or a large loosely connected group? You are just what someone else needs. Trust in that promise.