Awakening Aphrodite 68. How to Make Adult Friends: Why It's So Hard, 6 Common Roadblocks and Tips for Getting to Compatibility, Commitment and Chemistry
Although as a society we're more digitally connected than ever before, we are also less emotionally connected. Many adults feel chronically lonely and lacking in real connection, intimacy, support and bonding which are all things that are necessary for a healthy mind, body and spirit. We all need friends and people in our lives we can count on, share intimacy and trust with and be our true selves around.
But why is it so hard to make new friends as an adult these days?!
I recently came across an article in Psychology Today Magazine by Ahona Guha who is a clinical and forensic psychologist practicing in Melbourne, Australia. The article was titled: The Art of Making Adult Friends and I wanted to share it with you.
*Be sure you listen to the end where I mention the "3 C's" necessary for a successful relationship as well as the MOST ATTRACTIVE quality you can have!
The 6 Steps Roadblocks to Making New Friends: The Art of Developing Compatibility, Commitment and Chemistry in your Friendships as an Adult
Timestamps:
01:10 Social connection and health
02:15 Perfection is overrated
03:32 Study by Dr. Ahona Guha
05:49 Factors that limit social connection
06:48 The importance of proximity
07:35 The exposure effect and friendship
08:26 Anyone can be a fairweather friend
09:24 The factor of similarity
11:12 Reciprocality in friendships
12:26 Practical tips for establishing new connections
13:56 Being open to new connections
15:25 Decontextualize the friendship
16:52 Be the friend you want!
19:02 Introversion and social connection
20:24 Fear of rejection
20:51 Pragmatic concerns
21:40 Mistrust in friendships
22:15 Friendless workaholic lifestyle
24:22 Pickiness vs having non-negotiables
26:23 Summary and closing
Key Takeaways:
- Proximity
- Friendship
- Similarity