8 Ways to Foster Deeper Friendships
Friendships are one of the greatest joys in life.
Every person was created for connection and community! Our relationships are where we can find deep love and fulfillment. They make the good days even better and bring light to the darkest times of our lives. Going about life with a support system is much easier than in isolation.
The APA has published an article titled The science of why friendships keep us healthy, discussing the importance of not overlooking strong friendships. Deep friendships predict well-being, increase life expectancy, and can prevent mental health issues.
Cultivating deep friendships benefits us emotionally and physically. Below are 8 ways that you can start deepening friendships in your life!
1. Ask intentional questions
Asking questions shows that you care deeply about the other person. Intentionally choosing these questions can push the conversation past typical small talk and take your relationships to the next level. Some examples of intentional questions you can ask are:
What have you been learning lately?
In what ways have you been struggling this week?
What are some goals you have in this season of life?
2. One on one Time
Carving out time to be with your friends is one of the best ways to build deeper relationships. It is always fun to hang in groups but to have a more intimate relationship with someone, one-on-one time is essential too. This allows you to discuss topics you might not want everyone else to hear. It creates a special bond that is shared only between you and another person.
3. Get Vulnerable and Ask for Help
Share and show your emotions! Talk about the things you said you would never tell anyone. Vulnerability breeds intimacy and trust. Don’t be afraid of telling your friends when you are struggling. You have needs and when you voice them, your friends can better know how to love you and help you. This can deepen your relationship even more.
4. Get out of your comfort zone together
When you go out of your comfort zone with your friends, your bond grows deeper because of the shared experience. Do a fun, scary, or adventurous activity together. Find a place to serve that stretches you socially. Having these experiences together can give you exciting or awkward memories to talk about!
5. “No Boys/Girls Allowed” Nights
There is something special about hanging out in groups without your significant others. Often, when friends get together, the conversation can start to revolve around a partner or spouse. A fun tradition with the friend group could be to have intentional nights where you are present with each other and do not bring up significant others.
6. Encourage
Friends are made to encourage and support one another! The more you show your friends you love them, the more safe you will feel in your relationship. Surprise them by leaving random notes, getting little gifts, or simply speaking words of life over them when it is not expected.
7. Be Accountability Partners
Share your goals with your close friends and ask to keep each other accountable. This can build intimacy as it opens the door for you to share things you are struggling with and check in with each other on how you are doing in these areas of life. You will know that you will always have a friend to push you to be a better person, while supporting you when you mess up.
8. Actively Listen & Remember
Friendships will not last if only one person is doing the listening. Listening must be two-ways. Show your friends you care about them by listening to what they have to say and remembering what they love and what is happening in their lives.
Intentionally investing in your friendships is always worth it. Having a friend is more than just fun company, but a friend can be the support you need for a lifetime. Reach out to a friend today and start diving deeper into your relationship!