Friendships are an important aspect of existence, providing support, laughter and a (continued) feeling of belonging. But the older people get, the harder it becomes to maintain friendships. Juggling demanding careers, family responsibilities and personal growth leaves many adults struggling to keep in touch with their closest friends. And yet, maintaining deep friendships is an important aspect of our health and happiness.
Why Do Friendships Fall by the Wayside as Adults?
But one of the top reasons friendships are hard to sustain in adulthood is first-hand just like life comes down to time. In childhood and early adulthood, friendships were organically fortified by the fact of seeing one another in school, or at college, or at the same extracurricular activities, but in adult life, people are often pulled in multiple directions. Distance, both in space and in attitude, can come from work being relocated, a family obligation (such as the arrival of children) or finding new interests.
A second important reason involves changing priorities. But with increased responsibilities, socializing could come second to everything else. Where grabbing a coffee or talking for hours just to unwind used to be easy, pumpkin patch and zoo runs become a logistical nightmare juggling everyone’s schedules. Furthermore, adult relationships demand a certain agency, as they will not grow as they do during early years, through such organized settings as classrooms or clubs.
Why Holding On to Friendships is Important
According to studies, strong friendships help improve mental and physical health. They offer emotional support and help you de-stress — and may help you live longer, too. As hobbies or relaxation activities — playing casino slot machines, for example, for entertainment — can relieve stress after a long day, spending time with good friends provides the mental break and happiness we all need.
In addition, friendships create a sense of identity and belonging. They remind us of who we are outside of work and the obligations of modern life, connecting us to shared history and lived experience. Holding on to these connections may stave off loneliness, which has recently gained recognition as a significant health threat for adults.
How to Maintain Adult Friendships
- Plan Deliberately — Don’t wait for ad hoc hangouts but schedule regular catch ups — video dates, weekend brunches, game nights and so on. Like other imperative commitments: planning out friendships — making time for them — helps keep friends a priority.
- Utilize Technology — Nothing can replace in-person interaction, but texting, leaving voice notes or playing online games together can mediate the gap between in-person meetups.
- Find Common Interests – Shared hobbies make a strong friendship. Whether it is a book club, a hiking group or an occasional night out at an establishment near casino slot machines, discovering new pastimes to enjoy with one another continues the connection.
- Show Up for the Little Things — Grand reminders are not needed to keep friendships; sometimes it’s a little affirmation or reminding someone of their special day that can mean the world.
- Be Open and Vulnerable – Friendships in adulthood come down to trust and emotional connection. Looking and listening deeply to each other (and making the effort to share your thoughts with each other) brings intimacy closer.
Wrapping Up
Friendships may take more work as we get older, but they are still one of the best parts of life. By making the effort to nurture our relationships, we overflow with memories and also making new ones, and friendship can remain an essential part of our happiness.