We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships

What’s the scariest thing you would try if you were guaranteed to survive unscathed?

A 2018 study by Cigna on loneliness found that: 46 percent of Americans report feeling lonely some or all of the time One in four Americans feel like there’s no one they can talk to, or like there’s no one who understands them One in five Americans report that they rarely or never feel close to people[3]

People who care about each other will take the time to thoughtfully challenge each other when they see a way that the other person can grow or improve.

Meditate on feeling gratitude for how your friends show up for you, and ask yourself how you could be showing up for them, too. Then take action to demonstrate your commitment in real life.

Does it ever feel like life is a giant to-do list of things to check off, rather than an unfolding tapestry of experiences?

What kinds of things do you wonder about?

Grab your journal and make a list of the things your friends do that give you the feeling of being valued and connected. Then list the things that you do to demonstrate your commitment to your friends. Are there things you can do more of? Have you ever asked a friend what actions they appreciate the most as a demonstration of caring and dedication?

invite someone over to share a task like gardening or cooking.[3] “It allows for gentle spaces and easy silences that break up the conversation at a natural pace. It just feels more relaxed.”

what kinds of things elicit your excitement?