Why It’s So Hard To Make Great Friends Nowadays
And How To Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
Helloooo Sprouht fam!
Hope you’re doing well. Here in Montreal, we had a huge case of freezing rain and most of the city went out of power... #fun
Today’s newsletter is about something that affects us all: building genuine friendships in a digital age.
Let’s dive in!
We’re More Connected Than Ever, Yet We’re Lonely
In today's world, social media dominates our daily lives. While it made it easier than ever to connect with others online, it has also created a disconnect in our ability to form deep, meaningful relationships.
I’d argue it’s especially hard in our teens and 20s. We tend to form a social circle based on circumstances, like our school or job, rather than being intentional about who we decide to spend time with. We end up hanging out with a lot of “friends” – acquaintances, really –, but lack a real connection.
We focus on having a lot of casual friends, rather than a few close ones. We care most about the number of followers and facebook friends we have, and showing to the world how “great” our life is on social media…
So how can you break free from all the nonsense, and make great friends?
How To Build Meaningful Friendships
First of all, I recommend you take a break from social media once in a while. While it’s a valuable tool for staying connected with friends and family, it's important to take a step back occasionally. It pressures us to keep up with everybody, and set unrealistic expectations in our life and relationships.
Instead, prioritize meeting people in real life, and be intentional about it. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life. Set aside time each week to attend social events, join clubs or groups that align with your interests, and strike up conversations with people you encounter throughout your day.
Will has this fun tip to meet new people fast: take selfies with strangers! It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s a great way to start a conversation with them. He made a whole video about this: 👉 Check it here.
I also strongly recommend you read the timeless classic “How To Win Friends And Influence People”, by Dale Carnegie. It’ll teach you principles to improve your conversation and networking skills, and make more (better) friends.
Finally, making new friends requires vulnerability. It's essential to be yourself, share your hobbies and passions, and show interest in others.
The bottom line is… making great friends takes time and commitment. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and have fun with the process.
It’s a mindset.
Have an amazing day!