Friends | Psychology Today United Kingdom

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<div> <div id="block-pt-content" class="block">       <article data-history-node-id="53741" class="basics-full"> <div class="content-header d-flex reference-header"> <div class="content-header--image"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_75x75/public/shutterstock_727650622.jpg?itok=oHzI5Y15" width="75" height="75" alt="Jacob Lund/Shutterstock" title="Jacob Lund/Shutterstock" /> </article> </div> <div class="content-header--text"> <h1 class="reference__title section-title">Friends</h1> <p class="reference__review-info fine-print"> <a href="/gb/docs/editorial-process" class="reference__review-info-link"> <span class="reference__review-info-icon"></span> <span class="reference__review-info-text">Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff</span> </a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <div class="reference__body"> <div class="field-name-body"> <p dir="ltr">Writer Anaïs Nin opined that “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” As Nin conveys, friendship can elicit joy, companionship, and growth—enriching our entire experience of the world.</p> </div> </div> <div class="table-of-contents border-top"> <h4 class="table-of-contents--title">Contents</h4> <ul> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#building-new-friendships"> Building New Friendships </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#nurturing-lifelong-friendships"> Nurturing Lifelong Friendships </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#the-benefits-of-friendship"> The Benefits of Friendship </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="building-new-friendships" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> How to Build New Friendships </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-02/shutterstock_728198626.jpg?itok=1np0Am22" width="180" height="180" alt="LightField Studios/Shutterstock" title="LightField Studios/Shutterstock" /> </article> <p dir="ltr">Children often make friends seamlessly; the settings in which they spend time, such as school, camp, and sports teams, naturally spur fast friendships. It can be harder to make new friends without those built-in mechanisms as an adult, but there are still plenty of ways to create new, enduring relationships.</p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How do I make friends as an adult? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Adult friendships don’t happen automatically—they require<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/platonic-love/201909/5-skills-making-friends-adult"> intention, time, and effort.</a> Take initiative by researching a local running group or inviting a coworker to coffee. Throughout the process of getting to know someone, affirm who they are by showing enthusiasm about their interests or complimenting them. Be consistent and reliable, so that the connection solidifies.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How can I overcome <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/shyness" title="Psychology Today looks at shyness" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">shyness</a>? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p dir="ltr">Push yourself out of your comfort zone in small ways, such as by asking one question during a meeting or starting one conversation at a party. Reflecting on the discrepancy between how bad you thought past gatherings would be and how bad they actually were can help, too.<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/how-be-yourself/201605/6-ways-ease-shyness-and-get-yourself-out-there"> These ideas and others</a> can soothe the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress" title="Psychology Today looks at stress" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">stress</a> of being shy.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What conversation tips can help when meeting new people? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p dir="ltr">Show interest in others by asking questions, and then asking follow-up questions. Open up about your own experiences, stories, and insight as well. Shift topics if the conversation begins to lull, and try to avoid complaining—which people view as one of the<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/articles/201910/7-ways-avoid-being-boring"> top traits that makes someone boring.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (!window.ptAdSlots || window.ptAdSlots.length === 0) { window.ptAdSlots = []; } window.ptAdSlots.push('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9') </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="nurturing-lifelong-friendships" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> How to Nurture Lifelong Friendships </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-02/shutterstock_1329029687%20%283%29.jpg?itok=hGuk6Vml" width="180" height="180" alt="fizkes/Shutterstock" title="fizkes/Shutterstock" /> </article> <p dir="ltr">Maintaining lifelong friendships provides deep fulfillment and meaning. A few key practices can ensure that those bonds don’t fade over time. Friendships require that both people invest time into the relationship, cultivate trust and honesty, and work through disagreements when they arise. </p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How can I maintain healthy friendships long-term? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p dir="ltr">Strong friendships are built on a<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/compassion-matters/201301/5-ways-maintain-lifelong-friendships"> foundation of honesty and trust.</a> Providing an honest perspective, repairing ruptures by apologizing or sharing your feelings, and consistently making time for the people you care about are the pillars that support a lifelong connection.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How can I overcome conflict in a friendship? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p dir="ltr">Disagreements are bound to happen over the course of a long relationship. When expressing your concern, show that you want to find a solution rather than alienate the other person. Explain how their actions made you feel, invite them to do the same, and ask for the change you’d like to see. When handled correctly,<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/platonic-love/202001/how-open-conflict-benefits-relationships"> conflict can strengthen relationships.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Why is it important to maintain friendships throughout my life? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/loneliness" title="Psychology Today looks at Loneliness" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">Loneliness</a> has physical consequences, from poor cardiovascular and immune health to more stress, especially in old age. Loneliness is difficult to address in one’s later years, so<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/brain-waves/201806/why-you-need-social-convoy"> creating a strong community early on is key.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="the-benefits-of-friendship" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> The Benefits of Friendship </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/shutterstock_729336025.jpg?itok=D08Eo9pT" width="180" height="180" alt="DmitryMolchanov/Shutterstock" title="DmitryMolchanov/Shutterstock" /> </article> <p dir="ltr">Strong friendships are a critical aspect of most people's emotional well-being. Research indicates that close friendships are associated with greater <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/happiness" title="Psychology Today looks at happiness" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">happiness</a>, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/self-esteem" title="Psychology Today looks at self-esteem" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">self-esteem</a>, and sense of purpose. These bonds are even associated with physical outcomes, such as lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.</p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are the emotional benefits of friendship? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p dir="ltr">Friendship creates a foundation through which we can develop social skills, advance our careers and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/relationships" title="Psychology Today looks at romantic relationships" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">romantic relationships</a>, and enjoy compassion and support. Here are 15 ways that<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201303/fifteen-reasons-we-need-friends"> friendship can shape well-being.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2 faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are the physical benefits of friendship? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p dir="ltr">Research has long revealed that people with close connections are healthier, recover from certain illnesses more quickly, and live longer. New evidence suggests that<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/brain-waves/201705/when-do-friends-matter-most"> friendship confers the most benefit</a> during <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/adolescence" title="Psychology Today looks at adolescence" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">adolescence</a> and old age.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-1fe0f0a0f496cc4bd7f042b7bf2657c38dd0e12a14747d7105d6dd847077c71a"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5030808"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/evidence-based-living/202502/mens-social-networks-decline-significantly-as-they-age"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/AdobeStock_920389255.jpeg.jpg?itok=KbE1WRvC" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="InkCrafts/Adobe Stock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/evidence-based-living/202502/mens-social-networks-decline-significantly-as-they-age" title="Men's Social Networks Decline Significantly as They Age"> Men's Social Networks Decline Significantly as They Age </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> A new longitudinal study takes a careful look at how social networks change over the course of a lifetime. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5029852"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-other-side-of-relationships/202501/the-art-of-talking-about-nothing-and-why-its-everything"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/shutterstock_1302758287.jpg?itok=10oNHR-1" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="MilanMarkovic78/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-other-side-of-relationships/202501/the-art-of-talking-about-nothing-and-why-its-everything" title="Why Talking About Nothing Might Just Be Everything"> Why Talking About Nothing Might Just Be Everything </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> A sometimes silly but very efficient way to nurture a relationship. </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5029553"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/navigating-social-terrain/202501/as-life-evolves-the-power-of-friendship-endures"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-01/omar-lopez-rwF_pJRWhAI-unsplash.jpg?itok=jnsv0uFT" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Omar-lopez/Unsplash/Free Image " /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/navigating-social-terrain/202501/as-life-evolves-the-power-of-friendship-endures" title="As Life Evolves, the Power of Friendship Endures"> As Life Evolves, the Power of Friendship Endures </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Friendships require more intention as life evolves, but their power to boost health and happiness makes them invaluable investments at every stage of life. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5029062"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/lifetime-connections/202501/when-a-friendship-no-longer-fits"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-01/shutterstock_1513147118.jpg?itok=HJetVNL3" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Prostock-studio/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/lifetime-connections/202501/when-a-friendship-no-longer-fits" title="When a Friendship No Longer Fits"> When a Friendship No Longer Fits </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Will you know if a connection's expired, or if it should be revived? </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-e4e9a4b36a2224b73ed72ba13abe978add0aa3bd994a7af6cceec6aecd2376b3 layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5029642"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/not-the-norm/202501/new-models-for-aging-as-women"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/shutterstock_76214821.jpg?itok=_cyxoYZs" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Slatan/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/not-the-norm/202501/new-models-for-aging-as-women" rel="bookmark">New Models for Aging as Women</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Having seen both grandmothers and her mother face their final years alone, the fiftysomething author contemplates community-based living models for her own future. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Having seen both grandmothers and her mother face their final years alone, the fiftysomething author contemplates community-based living models for her own future. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5030804"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/indispensable-thinking/202502/why-never-mix-business-with-friendship-is-a-cop-out"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/friend%201.png.jpg?itok=7Pk29iQU" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Exnoi / Adobe Stock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/indispensable-thinking/202502/why-never-mix-business-with-friendship-is-a-cop-out" rel="bookmark">Why “Never Mix Business with Friendship” Is a Cop-out </a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Business and friendship shouldn't be seen as mutually exclusive. In fact, doing business with friends can be good for your well-being. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Business and friendship shouldn't be seen as mutually exclusive. In fact, doing business with friends can be good for your well-being. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5030720"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/feeling-it/202502/for-a-perfect-valentines-day-science-says-do-this"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/wedding-7144053_1280.jpg?itok=oIep6HN3" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Image by Duncan Dao from Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/feeling-it/202502/for-a-perfect-valentines-day-science-says-do-this" rel="bookmark">For a Perfect Valentine's Day, Science Says Do This</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> The secret to successful relationships is counterintuitive: Self-love. It boosts well-being, strengthens connections, and helps you thrive. Love yourself first this Valentine’s. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> The secret to successful relationships is counterintuitive: Self-love. It boosts well-being, strengthens connections, and helps you thrive. Love yourself first this Valentine’s. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5030656"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-social-explorer/202502/if-socializing-is-so-good-for-us-why-do-we-avoid-it"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/lake-3139419_1920.jpg?itok=SehrPLoY" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Image by 🌸♡💙♡🌸 Julita 🌸♡💙♡🌸 from Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-social-explorer/202502/if-socializing-is-so-good-for-us-why-do-we-avoid-it" rel="bookmark">If Socializing Is So Good for Us, Why Do We Avoid It?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Many people are lonely. The solution seems simple: We need to socialize more. Why is it so difficult to put into action, and what can we do to make it easier for ourselves? </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Many people are lonely. The solution seems simple: We need to socialize more. Why is it so difficult to put into action, and what can we do to make it easier for ourselves? </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5030681"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/possibilitizing/202502/the-friendship-tightrope"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/tightrope%20friends.jpg?itok=Ux_ps0w-" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Lindsey Godwin/DallE/OpenAI" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/possibilitizing/202502/the-friendship-tightrope" rel="bookmark">The Friendship Tightrope</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Navigating friends who don’t get along? You're not alone. In a world of growing divides, learn to set boundaries, avoid drama, and focus on connections that fit you. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Navigating friends who don’t get along? You're not alone. In a world of growing divides, learn to set boundaries, avoid drama, and focus on connections that fit you. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5030661"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/clearer-thinking-today/202502/why-do-smart-people-fall-for-stupid-ideas"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/pexels-brett-sayles-9126246_0.jpg?itok=nR2oimGJ" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Brett Sayles | Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/clearer-thinking-today/202502/why-do-smart-people-fall-for-stupid-ideas" rel="bookmark">Why Do Smart People Fall for Stupid Ideas?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Why do even smart people fall for scams, cults, and bad ideas? Here's how misplaced trust shapes belief — and how you can protect yourself. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Why do even smart people fall for scams, cults, and bad ideas? Here's how misplaced trust shapes belief — and how you can protect yourself. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5030608"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/positively-media/202502/facetime-voice-or-text-what-strengthens-friendships-most"><img loading="lazy" src="/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2025-02/6.jpg?h=9c986273&itok=6oHzewV5" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Nicholas Menijes/Prudencio Alvarez, Getty Images/Andrey Popov, Getty Images/Seva Levytskiy" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/positively-media/202502/facetime-voice-or-text-what-strengthens-friendships-most" rel="bookmark">FaceTime, Voice, or Text: What Strengthens Friendships Most?</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Should you text, call, or FaceTime to stay close? Each has a different impact on connection, trust, and friendship. Find the mix that works best for you. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Should you text, call, or FaceTime to stay close? Each has a different impact on connection, trust, and friendship. 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