International Friendship Day is a time to honour the importance of friendships and the role friends play in our lives. The day was started in 2011 by UN General Assembly in hopes to inspire community building through friendships to tackle the crisis of division due to differences. In Singapore, it’s often said that “We aim to be a friend to all, but an enemy of none”, quoted from Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
As social beings, we are created for community. How important are these meaningful connections and what do they contribute to our well-being and getting to happy?
An Authentic Community
Authenticity serves as the foundation for any thriving community. True friendships are built on trust, which can only be established through open and honest communication. Being authentic and transparent with our friends allows for deeper connections and fosters a sense of emotional safety within the community. By embracing vulnerability and sharing our joys, struggles, and opinions genuinely, we create an environment where trust can flourish.
You may already know a friend, but if you haven’t yet, perhaps you can take the first step.
A Relationship-repairing Community
Taking stock of our relationships with friends, family, kids and even our co-workers is necessary and leads to a healthier life. Waiting for the right moment to pick up the phone or sending a message to someone who you might not have spoken to in a while for whatever reason may not always come. By investing time to strengthen or repair bonds between yourself and someone else, you’ll increase your level of happiness for bringing joy back to relationships.
Who is someone you can reach out to right now to show your gratitude and appreciation?
A Consistent Community
Regular interaction and engagement are important in cultivating a strong community. Making time for our friends, actively seeking opportunities to connect, and participating in shared activities nurture the bonds of friendship. By investing time and effort into fostering frequent interactions, we strengthen the foundation of our community and create a network of support, joy, and shared experiences. As someone once said, “If we do not make time for our friends, we won’t have any!”
Cultivating friendships by sharing our hearts, respecting our differences, and making meeting up a priority, lays the groundwork for long-lasting healthy relationships. Are you willing to take a step toward better friendship and community? Send an invite to the friend you’ve been thinking about!
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