The Fab Five: Key Ingredients for Rock-Solid Friendships

In today's world, many people feel they lack strong friendships. 

A study by the American Survey Center found that in 1990, 33% of Americans had ten or more close friends outside their family, compared to only 13% in 2021. With happiness and success often linked to close relationships, it's crucial to understand how to recognize and develop valuable friendships.  

In this blog post, we will discuss five essential components to look for and build in a close friendship: positive intention, open and honest communication, shared interests, personal accountability, and investment in the relationship

1. Positive Vibes Only:

Positive intention is the foundation of any strong relationship. When people assume the best of each other, it creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable and supported. Conversely, if you constantly feel negatively judged by someone, it may be time to reevaluate that relationship. To practice positive intention, ask yourself, "what is the best possible intention behind a friend's action" before reacting. This approach can help resolve miscommunications and build stronger connections.

2. Keep It Real:

Another vital aspect of a close friendship is open and honest communication. When friends can express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment, it fosters intimacy and trust. Conversely, if you cannot communicate openly, the relationship may suffer. Direct communication is crucial to ensuring everyone's intentions and needs are understood.

3. Bonding Over Shared Interests:

Finding common interests or causes is essential for building a solid friendship. Shared hobbies, experiences, or values can create lasting memories and connections. Whether it's playing Dungeons and Dragons, training for marathons, or working in the same industry, these common links lay the foundation for a strong bond. However, the most important common cause is the mutual desire to maintain the friendship. When both parties are invested, the relationship is more likely to thrive.

4. Own Your Stuff:

Close friendships require personal accountability from both parties. When conflicts arise, it's crucial to acknowledge one's role in the issue and learn from it. A willingness to work through problems and adapt is critical to maintaining a long-term friendship. If one person is unwilling to put in the effort or take responsibility, the relationship may struggle to survive.

5. Invest, Invest, Invest:

A strong friendship requires active investment from both parties. The relationship may suffer when friends only reach out when they need something. To maintain a close friendship, invest time and effort in the relationship, even when it's inconvenient or there's nothing to gain.

In conclusion, nurturing close friendships involves cultivating positive intentions, open communication, common causes, personal accountability, and active investment in the relationship. Focusing on these critical aspects, you can build and maintain strong, lasting connections that contribute to your happiness and success.

References:

American Survey Center (n.d.). https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/ 

Check out a more detailed video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/bpFmfjwgDIo

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