Evolving Friendships: Navigating Change, Boundaries, and Emotional Growth

Productive Passions

Today’s Takeaways - Evolving Friendships:

1. It’s okay to grieve friendship changes: It’s natural to feel sadness when a friendship changes or ends unexpectedly. Allow yourself to process these feelings without judgment.
2. Avoid self-blame: When a friendship shifts without clear reason, don’t automatically think it’s because you’re not good enough. Challenge these thoughts and consider alternative perspectives.
3. Mindfully manage emotions: Managing emotions in a healthy way requires practice, intentionality, and mindfulness. Through “radical acceptance,” you can learn to stop fighting reality and let go of bitterness.
4. Evaluate the relationship’s purpose: Reflect on whether a friendship is still serving a positive role in your life. Doing a pros and cons list may help you assess the value of continuing the relationship.
5. Supportive friendships are a two-way street: Strong friendships encourage, uplift, and allow you to be your authentic self. While effort doesn’t have to be equal, it should be mutual.
6. Social media and friendships: Social media can sometimes distort our views of friendships, leading to feelings of FOMO or the illusion that everyone is a “best friend.”
7. Hard conversations can deepen connections: Open, honest conversations are crucial in healthy friendships, but recognize that not everyone may be ready or willing to engage in them.
8. Respect boundaries: Be willing to listen to each other's needs, respect boundaries, and negotiate what feels right for both sides in the relationship.

Take an introspective look. Consider who you are, your values, and how you’ve evolved. Accepting how we have evolved first then letting this define the kinds of friendships we want.

Find Diane:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianne-mani-psy-d-94a44a49/

Find Christy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christytagye/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/productivepassions
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