{"id":4164,"date":"2023-09-15T11:38:44","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T15:38:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/quick-easy-ways-to-build-friendships\/"},"modified":"2023-09-15T11:38:44","modified_gmt":"2023-09-15T15:38:44","slug":"quick-easy-ways-to-build-friendships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/quick-easy-ways-to-build-friendships\/","title":{"rendered":"Quick, Easy Ways to Build Friendships"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Profit<\/a>
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Ancient philosophers and contemporary scientists<\/a> agree: strong relationships are a key\u2014perhaps the<\/em> key\u2014to a happy life.<\/p>\n

But one of the most common challenges of adulthood is making and maintaining friendships. Friendships take time and energy, which can be in short supply, and it can be hard to meet new people if you move to a new city or a new job.<\/p>\n

As you consider ways to connect, there\u2019s one important principle to keep in mind: Lower the bar!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many people think, \u201cWell, if I can\u2019t do ____, it\u2019s not worth doing anything.\u201d No<\/em>. Small gestures can do a lot.<\/p>\n

Frequent contact, even fleeting, is better than infrequent contact. Call, or if you don\u2019t want to call, send an email. If you don\u2019t want to send an email, send a text. If you don\u2019t want to write a text, send a photo with a few words, such as \u201cthought of you\u201d \u201ccan you believe it?\u201d \u201clast year at this time.\u201d Whenever I see someone mentioned in the press, or I come across an old photo of them in my phone, or I see an article that I think would interest them, I send a text. It\u2019s very effective to let the world remind you to get in touch with a friend.<\/p>\n

Also, some contact, even infrequent contact, is better than no contact. Having a 90-minute dinner with a friend I haven\u2019t seen in two years is enough to re-ignite our friendship.<\/p>\n

Sometimes we feel uncomfortable reaching out: \u201cThis person will think I\u2019m weird for getting in touch after we haven\u2019t talked for nearly two years.\u201d<\/p>\n

In fact, research shows<\/a>, we underestimate how much people will welcome attempts to reconnect. Humans are social creatures; we value connection; we appreciate people\u2019s efforts; and we feel good when we know that someone is interested in us.<\/p>\n

Here are some ideas to start or strengthen a friendship:<\/p>\n