Some of the most dynamic, heartwarming connections in our lives are built through friendships. This unique kind of relationship based on trust, vulnerability, and self-disclosure allows us to externalize our thoughts by feeling understood and heard. Time has nothing to do with how meaningful friendship is; some friends will be part of every single chapter and others will come in the middle segment of our life journey.
Through time we form new bonds and experiences, simultaneously evaluating our personal needs and values in a friendship. Reciprocity is what keeps the connection alive as the exchange of feelings automatically heightens the level of the relationship. These new interactions, however sometimes trigger thoughts on existing friendships that may not fulfill us anymore. The magic of openness and exploration comes with great risk; people who we once supposed brought the best out of ourselves, may no longer do so.
Handling changes therefore is challenging not only for us but for who we are about to confront. Starting from a place of honesty and directness will only benefit the conversation, as you will bring the other person to the same level of realization as yourself. This way they will have a clearer perception of the issue presented. Understanding their point of view will determine the future of the relationship as both perspectives will be laid down on the table.
Though conflict isn’t necessarily a marker of a bad relationship, it is best to engage and manage it respectfully. Not every friend needs to be there for the rest of our life. Some friendships will end and that’s ok because, through this choice, we will grow and enter a new pathway in finding our happiness with the people who uncover the positivity within us.
