Friendships are the safe havens that we adore, bringing joy and purpose to our lives so it is understandable to want to rekindle it. They support us through life’s tribulations and we find comfort, solace, and peace in them.
But as we navigate life’s twists and turns, it’s easy to let friendships fade into the background but is it okay to let go of the friendship without reviving the connections? Absolutely not! Though friendship may be sweet, it is unrealistic not to experience differences. What makes it amazing is when both parties navigate their way through the bumpy ride.
What can we do to revive the connection, laughter, and happiness that flows endlessly when we are with them? How can we decide to restore the bond we both share and unite us as one and help us to discover our growth and journey?
If you feel like you are losing your touch with your BFFs or your social circle is dwindling, don’t panic because we’ve got you covered.
We shall embark on the 5 ways to rekindle friendships that bring life and spark to our life from forgetting about the past, reconnecting, making time for hangouts, getting real and trying out new things together.
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No friendship is perfect. In the long run, things can get messy and stop talking for a while. But holding on past hurts and grudges will create a wedge between you. Holding onto resentment can create a toxic environment to move forward and reconnect with your friends.
One way to rekindle friendships is by forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean you have forgotten about what they did, it means you are willing to create space for growth and healing even though it takes time. Address every misunderstanding that caused you to drift apart before you reconcile.
Let it go! It’s time to forgive, forget and move forward with love. Remember why you became friends and know that your friendship is greater than any disagreement.
A quick question. When was the last time you asked your friends real and intimate questions? If it’s been a while, it’s time to get real and be honest with them. Listen attentively and show genuine empathy and understanding in your friend’s life. Don’t try to rekindle friendships by solving problems or offering unsolicited advice. Sometimes, people need someone to listen to them. Just listen.
Being real can be challenging but if you want to create a safe space for you and your friends, you have to listen and be vulnerable with them. This will help build long lasting friendships.
Be vulnerable and share your dreams, fears, and struggles with them as they share theirs with you as well. This would help you connect on a deeper level and build trust.
We know life gets busy but that should not be an excuse to let friendship fade. Learning to treat your friendship like important appointments is a path to rekindle friendships. You can schedule to meet up biweekly, weekly or monthly.
If you forget things easily, you can choose to set a reminder on your phone to make it more flexible or call them when you cannot meet or before your appointment together.
During the course of the call, with their permission, you can switch to video call.
When you see, you can do something simple yet beautiful. It can be as simple as a tea or coffee break, a book club, a park or something you both like to do. Avoid crowded places that might make it hard to talk.
Someone can come up with the idea this month and the other person the following month. Having something forward to look forward to will keep the spark and connection alive.
Think back to when you and your friends would burst into an uncontrollable laugh together until your cheeks and sides hurt? Get them together and revisit those memories by watching your favorite movie or TV shows, listen to music that reminds you of each other, share old photos and laugh at the inside jokes you share together, the facial expressions only you understand.
As you reminisce on the good times together, share your favorite memories of what these things mean to you and give them room to share their favorite moments too.
Those memories are the foundation of your friendship and why you still support each other through thick and thin.
This will help to rekindle the joy of the time you shared together in your friendships .
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Good vibes only! You know doing the same thing repeatedly can get boring eventually. Shake things up! Plan new adventures and activities you have never done before. You can new dishes in another restaurant different from the one you visit all the time. You can register for a cooking class. It can be a car race or travel the world together to see a new place different from where you visit frequently. Go on a hike, play golf or go swimming.
As you plan for the new activities, be sure that they are what you both will enjoy and that allow good conversation.
Spice it up! Remember, the goal is to create great and beautiful memories and create room for growth in your friendship.
One thing you should know is that, you are not just rekindling fading friendship, you are evolving and cultivating communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence that will lead to building deeper and meaningful relationships.
As you embark on the journey of rekindling your fading friendship, be kind and patient. Changes happen and be ready to embrace the change.
Take the first step today and reach out to your friends, schedule a hangout and reminisce on the good times together.
In conclusion, nothing beats rekindling fading friendships. It’s a journey worth taking. By remembering the good old days, the memories you’ve shared together and the peace you feel whenever you know they are in your corner and would listen to you anytime you call them.