Building friendships that enrich your life

SALT LAKE CITY – Building friendships might have been easy as a kid, but it seems to be a lot harder as an adult. Does it ever make you wonder, “Do I have true friends?” or “What is true friendship?”

In the latest Let’s Get Moving with Maria podcast episode, Maria Shilaos spoke with Alex Friedman, Friendship & Connection Coach and Founder of Connection Feast, to learn what characterizes a healthy friendship and how to be proactive in connecting with others.

There are a couple reasons why it has become harder for adults to make new connections. For one, you’re no longer in school where you were highly encouraged to become friends with your classmates.

“Slowly over time we lose access to the exact people and activities that helped us thrive and feel a sense of belonging,” Friedman said.

She also brought up the fact that technology has caused us to isolate ourselves more and more. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, people were feeling a sense of loneliness.

“Why it’s important now more than ever is that people have to be proactive about the relationships in their life—specifically friendships—because community is essential to our health,” Friedman said.

That’s not all. It’s essential to our social wellness as well. Research shows that a lack of social connection can contribute to depression and anxiety.

Friedman says that being proactive in building friendships comes in a variety of ways. She strongly believes that you can make deep, beautiful connections with people, both in-person and virtually.

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