What Should You Do When a Friendship No Longer Fits
Friendships play a crucial role in leading a healthy and fulfilling life. Good friends can significantly impact longevity and overall well-being.
Studies indicate that negative or conflict-ridden relationships can be more harmful to health than having no relationships at all.
Therefore, it is important to regularly evaluate whether the friendships in your life still contribute positively as they once did.
Friendships typically originate from three primary factors. First, shared interests often bring people together. These interests can range from hobbies like skydiving, favorite entertainers, or activities such as book club meetings or marathon running.
However, as life progresses, interests may evolve or change, which could lead to friendships that once flourished becoming less relevant or enjoyable over time.
Second, friendships are often formed based on shared life stages. People tend to socialize with those who are in similar age groups. In early life, this can mean spending time together in daycare, on playgrounds, or throughout school years.
As adults, this dynamic continues in workplaces or community groups. However, when friends reach different milestones or life paths, such as career changes or family obligations, these friendships can struggle to survive the shift in focus and priorities.
Third, proximity plays a significant role in the establishment of friendships. This category includes colleagues at work, neighbors, or people in nearby living spaces. Increased physical proximity can easily foster positive feelings and connections.
Yet, if the foundation of a friendship rests solely on being near one another, changes like moving to a new job or relocating can easily sever that bond.
Despite having many friends or social media connections, there is a limit to the number of genuine friendships a person can maintain. Each individual has a certain amount of "social capacity" to invest in relationships.
As a result, friendships that are less fulfilling or require more effort may naturally fade over time. While it can be disheartening to witness once-close friendships diminish, this is a normal aspect of life and human growth.
There are other factors that contribute to the decline of a friendship. When someone feels obligated to maintain a friendship out of a sense of duty, it can drain the joy from the connection.
Additionally, feelings of pity can lead to maintaining friendships longer than is beneficial.
In healthy friendships, both individuals should feel equal and valued, regardless of differences in income, education, age, or experience. These relationships thrive on mutual respect and support rather than uneven power dynamics.