I often see friends struggling with adult friendships and I appreciate your thoughtful discussion because I have often sought resources and come up a bit short. I think a lot of people hit middle age and see their friends fall away and maybe look around and realize they lack the community they thought they had. Most of us don't know what to do about it. In high school, college/training programs, first jobs, we are naturally surrounded by friend communities and get to know each other and have shared experiences. But as people move away and move their lives in different directions, it actually takes more deliberate effort to maintain relationships. Intentional friendshipping was a lesson from a mentor that has made a big difference in my life. I'm impressed this advice seeker is putting in that deliberate effort, but unfortunately it's not for a friend relationship that makes sense for them. I think your advice is spot on for a delicate topic.
Oof yes. So much more thoughtfulness is required to maintain friendships in adulthood with all the competing uses for our time and often distance in the mix too.
Appreciate you, friend! And thank you for becoming a paid subscriber. Totally made my day. 💖
I often see friends struggling with adult friendships and I appreciate your thoughtful discussion because I have often sought resources and come up a bit short. I think a lot of people hit middle age and see their friends fall away and maybe look around and realize they lack the community they thought they had. Most of us don't know what to do about it. In high school, college/training programs, first jobs, we are naturally surrounded by friend communities and get to know each other and have shared experiences. But as people move away and move their lives in different directions, it actually takes more deliberate effort to maintain relationships. Intentional friendshipping was a lesson from a mentor that has made a big difference in my life. I'm impressed this advice seeker is putting in that deliberate effort, but unfortunately it's not for a friend relationship that makes sense for them. I think your advice is spot on for a delicate topic.
Oof yes. So much more thoughtfulness is required to maintain friendships in adulthood with all the competing uses for our time and often distance in the mix too.
Appreciate you, friend! And thank you for becoming a paid subscriber. Totally made my day. 💖