Up until recently, I believed it was better to have more friends, even when you aren’t super close with all of them, over a few friends with whom I share deep connections. Friendship is far less straightforward and so much more complicated than it is portrayed as. People don’t want to hold the value of a friendship as high as a relationship. Still, they are similar depending on how important your friends are to you. But, it would help if you were holding your friends to such a high priority in your life, including having standards and boundaries because you need friends; they are crucial. It’s a part of being human, and it’s healthy. Of course, there can be times when you feel lonely, but in the end, it’s good to find your people and surround yourself with love and support. It constantly gets brushed over to have standards for friendships and letting people come so quickly into your life and treat you however they want. I’ve noticed (and fallen victim to) people becoming friends quickly and throwing around the phrase “best friend” even when they don’t meet your standards or respect/understand your boundaries. It is someone who satisfies your egotistical need to have so many “friends” or to fill your loneliness. Still, you don’t know if they are true friends because you don’t take the time to let your friendships blossom naturally; instead, you force it.
Friendships are supposed to be fun, comfortable, and respectful, not fake or painful. It is essential to take your time to find the people who fit into your life perfectly and meet YOUR standards. Don’t rush friendship or force it. Once you find those deep connections with people, you’ll realize how much they enhance your life. Within your friendships, ask yourself if they are providing you all that you need or hurting you. Of course, just because your friends don’t meet your criteria doesn’t mean they are bad people. They aren’t a good fit for you.
You are a human being, it’s great to have a community and support system in your life. It’s okay if it takes a while to build that because it can be so important to take a step back and enjoy your time alone; the right fit will come into your life when you are ready. Good, strong friendships provide us with constant emotional support, which can help us feel better when we’re feeling low. They offer guidance when we have to make tough choices, serve as a constant source of inspiration, and create an atmosphere where we can be ourselves.
