Want Strong Friendships?

The power of slow and unstructured playtime as adults. Because we can be silly too!

Want Strong Friendships?
Just play, be silly and have fun with your friends. Photo by Bewakoof.com Official / Unsplash

If you're looking to enrich your social life, sometimes the answer is as simple as slowing down and wasting some time with friends.

It can be tempting to rush through social events or only make plans when we have a specific activity in mind. But taking a more relaxed approach to friendships can lead to deeper, more fulfilling connections.

Here are three action steps to help you embrace the unhurried hangouts that make friendships so strong:

Plan for unstructured time

Instead of only scheduling hangouts when you have something specific to do, try planning for a longer period of time with no set agenda. Maybe you'll spend an afternoon at a park with no particular activity in mind, or play a few hours of Splatoon 3 with a friend from Japan (DM me if you want to play Splatoon). Creating space for unstructured time allows you to fully embrace the joy of simply being with friends.

Stay present in the moment

When you're spending time with friends, make a conscious effort to be fully present in the moment. Put away your phone, turn off your notifications, and truly listen to what your friend is saying. When you're not worried about what else you need to be doing, you'll be amazed at how much more you'll get out of the interaction.

Embrace your inner child

Just because we're adults doesn't mean we can't be... stupid? Silly? Careless! Whether it's playing silly games, having spontaneous dance parties, or just letting yourself be goofy, embracing your inner child can bring a renewed sense of joy and connection to your friendships.

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So next time you're tempted to rush through a social interaction or only make plans when you have something specific in mind, take a deep breath, slow down, and embrace the power of wasting time with friends.