Feeling lonely on Friendship Day? Follow these expert tips on how to make real, forever friends

How to make friends: You don’t need a long list of friends or a larger social circle to have meaningful friendship. Connect with people who understand you, not those you have to please (Image: Unsplash)

Today is Friendship Day. While fun and frolic fills the air, and you see people celebrating this special day with their friends, some find themselves lost in loneliness. This, despite being constantly connected on social media! Overcoming this loneliness requires deliberate action in laying strong foundations for friendships.

The art of finding good friends, and stable friendships, is gradually getting lost, thanks to social media and the instant culture. People are slowly moving away from real social connections and gluing themselves to social media, says Aanandita Vaghani, Founder & Mental Health Therapist, UnFix Your Feelings. “Modern society, ruled by social media and increased isolation, has led to a loneliness epidemic, particularly among Gen-Z. Over-stimulation and the pressure to succeed contribute to this growing issue,” she says.

If you want to find friendships that stand the test of time, follow these tips Vaghani suggests:

Engage in shared interests: It is important to make meaningful connections by joining various clubs of interest, sports teams, or online platforms that can help you connect with like-minded people. You can also volunteer and pursue hobbies with friends to understand them and encourage a sense of purpose and belonging.

Also see | Friendship Day celebration ideas: Make your work friends feel special with these 10 cool ideas

Be yourself: Staying true to yourself helps to form genuine friendships. When you accept and embrace your true nature, views and beliefs you can express honest feelings, and allow yourself to be vulnerable. Being authentic builds self confidence and also attracts deeper connections.

Less can be more: You don’t need a long list of friends or a larger social circle to have meaningful friendship. Connect with people who understand you, not those you have to please. Invest in relationships that matter, and bring out the best in you.

Foster healthy friendship behaviours: Initiating conversations with genuine curiosity, and actively listening can lead to more substantial connections. Empathy and support sustain friendships, while regular communication and follow-up demonstrate care and value.

Also see | Friendship day 2024: Best places to have a blast with friends and make the day memorable

Practice mindfulness: Put yourself first. Practicing mindfulness and self-compassion can help manage loneliness and enhance social interactions, by creating channels for deeper, more authentic relationships.

Limit social media use: Setting boundaries with social media use can prevent the negative impacts of constant online presence and comparison. Instead of increasing a circle of ‘followers’, focus on real friendships. Learning new skills or taking up new interests can open doors to new communities and friendships.

Seek support: Loneliness can be a difficult emotion. Stay connected with your friends and family members. You may also consider seeking therapy or professional help to deal with your emotions. Therapy helps you build a diverse support network of friends, family, and mentors and reduces feelings of isolation.