Why Do I Feel So Lonely With My Friends? Understanding the Disconnect

A person in a big city but all alone.

Have you ever been surrounded by friends yet felt completely alone? It’s a strange, unsettling feeling that many of us experience but rarely talk about. Despite being in the company of people we care about, there’s sometimes a disconnect that leaves us feeling isolated. But why does this happen? Is it just a phase, or […]

I Wish I Had More Friends: Why Don’t I?

i wish i had more friends

There’s a common belief that genuine friendships happen effortlessly, but in reality, building meaningful connections can be quite challenging. Even if you’re naturally outgoing and have a history of fulfilling friendships, feelings of loneliness, insecurity, or exhaustion can still creep in, making you wish for deeper, more lasting connections. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, […]

Unlocking the Secrets: What Truly Makes a Friendship Healthy?

This blog delves into the essence of healthy friendships, highlighting the vital role of human connection in mental well-being and overall survival. It outlines the attributes of healthy friendships and introduces Amir Levine’s CARRP—a useful tool for evaluating and prioritizing friendships. While no universal formula guarantees flawless relationships, having a structured approach can guide our decisions to choose better friends.

How To Get Over A Friendship

how to get over a best friend who hurt you

Midori and I have experienced various friendship breakups in the past decade. However, over the last two years, we’ve encountered the loss of several friendships that had endured for almost a decade. Recently, we’ve found ourselves reflecting on the discomfort of friendship breakups.  In our discussions, we’ve noticed parallels between our experiences and Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s […]

Master the Art of Friendship: Secrets to Effective Communication Revealed!

Boundaries serve as the scaffolding of our relationships, providing structure and support. However, it’s the communication surrounding these boundaries that truly solidifies their effectiveness. While discussing the “what” is essential, it’s often just the tip of the iceberg. Communication delves into the “why” behind our thoughts and feelings, making it the cornerstone of meaningful interaction. […]

Rekindling Friendship: How to Rediscover Friendship with Your Spouse

Take a moment and think about best friends? When you think about best friends they are loyal, trustworthy, you enjoy spending time with them, and you feel comfortable being yourself around them.  Well guess what the same should go for your spouse! When you’re friends with your spouse, you have increased trust, consideration, and loyalty. […]

Friendship Quest: Your Ultimate Guide to Making New Connections!

Some of you may already have good friends and are here to sharpen your friendship skills, while others may seek ways to cultivate healthy friendships. Regardless of where you stand, life has opportunities to enhance our relationships. We’re all on a journey of learning and growth, continually building and nurturing new friendships as we go. […]

Why does my friendship feel like a relationship?

Over the years, our culture has showcased various examples of friendship, ranging from the dramatic betrayals depicted in Mean Girls to the close-knit “urban families” portrayed in TV shows like Living Single or Friends.  Each generation brings new models of friendship portrayed in the media, from iconic duos like Lucy and Ethel in I Love […]

Boundary Breakthrough: Elevate Your Friendships with Clear Limits!

Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for ALL healthy relationships, including friendships. While discussions about setting boundaries are becoming more common, most boundary books, talks, sermons, etc., often focus on family relationships or romantic partnerships, leaving friendships overlooked. Friendships are relationships we choose, so co-creating boundaries should be a natural part of the friendship-building process. Like […]

Dispelling Loneliness Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Look up the definition of loneliness. You’ll find various definitions, but they generally share some common elements: a feeling of pain or sadness, a sense of being isolated or alone, and a perceived lack of closeness to others. Most definitions are variations of these basic traits. However, they don’t specify whether loneliness stems from internal […]

The Many Faces of Friendship: Exploring Types and Bonds

Indeed, over the past two decades, substantial research has emerged underscoring the significance of friendship in a person’s health, well-being, and happiness. Reflecting on it, the importance becomes evident! There’s a profound satisfaction in engaging in a meaningful conversation or reconnecting effortlessly with an old friend, even after years of being apart. Isn’t it great […]

The Ultimate Guide To Friendship

What Is Friendship? Although it might seem simplistic at first glance, this question is actually quite pertinent. The simplest definition of a friendship is an affectionate relationship formed through a strong and voluntary interpersonal bond. In other words, a true friend is someone we choose to connect with willingly, separate from family or legal obligations. […]