Friendships can lose intensity over time and may require adjustments to maintain connection. It’s essential to find an optimal distance that allows comfort and connection. Friends can have varying levels of connection, and it's helpful to adapt the relationship dynamic rather than completely outgrow friends. This can include seeing each other less often or shifting from one-on-one to group settings. Customizing friendships to fit emotional needs enhances well-being, allowing for more meaningful connections tailored to individual preferences.
We lose half our friends every seven years. Avoiding shared travel keeps the connection within its healthiest boundaries. Friendships don't have to be all-or-none but can exist in the grey.
Instead of deciding we've 'outgrown' someone, we can experiment with adjusting the friendship's settings: seeing each other monthly instead of weekly, or spending more time in group settings.
Some friends are what I call 'low-dose friends.' We thrive in small doses, and that's okay. Ironically, these adjustments can make us feel more connected.
Research finds that the more we customize our relationships, the greater our well-being. Expecting one person to fulfill all emotional needs can be unrealistic.
Collection
[
|
...
]