by SHERIDAN C. WATKINS

Life is all about connections; strong bonds aren’t formed only by blood but also by the heart and fate. Life changes may cause us to relocate far from our relatives or childhood friends, so it is still vital to build relationships with people. It may be difficult for some, but building supportive friendships and networks can be as fulfilling as family ties. The best part about creating your own family is that you get to choose them. I encourage you to explore some fun and meaningful ways to better connect with the people God has placed around you.

Why Friendships Matter and How to Find Them

Good friends offer support, joy and a sense of belonging. They can provide emotional support during tough times and offer diverse perspectives because of their backgrounds. It is always great to have friends around who are different because you will learn more about life and what makes the world so unique.

You may wonder how to find people who can turn into lifelong friends. Well, you can start by thinking about your interests. Joining local clubs or groups can be a great way to start because you will have something in common that connects you with others while also exploring the uniqueness of everyone involved. Volunteering or finding a church home is another great opportunity because you will find those who share your enthusiasm for larger missions in life. Lastly, you can always leave it up to chance by attending community events to see who else will be there, too! In these settings, you can mingle and “shop around” for friends in a relaxed setting. 

Friendship is in the Follow-Up

It’s so common to have a great connection with someone and never talk to them again. If you want to build meaningful friendships, you have to remember to follow up! I heard a statistic that it takes between 50-90 hours spent together to consider someone a true friend. And I know you are busy, but grab those calendars and schedule some time. Whether it’s a weekly coffee date, a monthly game night or a weekend workout, make sure you find time to hang out with new people you’d like to befriend. It may feel weird in the beginning, but it’ll get easier. 

Creating a Family Atmosphere

Just like a family reunion, it’s always great when multiple people gather to celebrate and enjoy each other’s presence. You can do this with friends from different areas of your life and encourage them to bring their friends, too. The conversations are going to flow effortlessly, and they will create many memories. Celebrate birthdays, milestones, holidays and other special occasions at someone’s home or rent an event space. 

If you want to go deeper with people, you can host a Bible study or create a peaceful atmosphere that encourages new friends to open up. Vulnerability strengthens bonds and helps us realize how similar we are in this life journey. 

Maintaining a Supportive Network

As life progresses, the friends you’ve made will evolve. Some will rise in their careers or build families, and some may eventually move away. Technology is one of the best things we have at our fingertips, so stay connected through regular phone calls and texts. I have friends in different states, and we are intentional about checking in with each other weekly and having a group FaceTime call at least monthly. Time goes by so fast, and it’s easy to go months to years without checking in. Social media can present the facade that we are staying connected with them, but remember that most people only post the highlights of their life on social media. As a friend, you want to make sure they are also doing well behind the scenes. 

Building your chosen family through friendships and supportive networks is a beautiful journey that breeds love, laughter and mutual support. By actively seeking out connections, nurturing new friendships and creating welcoming atmospheres, you can form a family that brings joy and fulfillment to your life. So, don’t be timid about getting out there, making new friends and building the relationships you deserve – your extended family is waiting and searching for you, too!