Why Making Time For Friend Dates Is Important
Can you believe how fast the year is going? It feels like Christmas was just last week, and New Year’s should be coming up – but instead here we are ushering in a new month! Luckily the new month is getting a bit closer to Spring FINALLY! The weather in Atlanta has been pretty erratic switching between cold to hot and nothing in between! Last month I had the chance to leave our wonky weather and head to New York for the weekend to spend time with one of my dearest friends Keyma from Style Weekender! Let me tell you it was just what this Mama needed to fill her cup with some solid friendship time. Curious why making time for friend dates are important? Keep reading to see why you need to ASAP!
I know at times we all get busy with work, our families and juggling things including friendships and relationships can seem to be a bit harder. But this year since I have really taken time to give myself grace, I have noticed that investing in friendships are extremely crucial to our overall well-being and quality of life. So when me and Keyma made sure to get a trip to New York in- I just knew I had to make time for this somehow! As avid coffee lovers we had to visit the iconic Ralphs Coffee.
For us sometimes coffee and conversation is just what you need. In our case it hands down is one of our favorite past times. When you are on any journey in life it’s important to have friends you understand, and that understand you- and both of you invest and make time for frequent friend dates. Here is why:
Nurturing Relationships // Just like romantic relationships, our friendships need nurturing. This is where friend dates come in. You see friend dates help provide an opportunity to spend quality time together, strengthening the bond you share.
Shared Experiences // Doing things together during friend dates also help create shared memories. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant, going for a hike, or watching a movie, these experiences become part of your friendship history. And let’s be honest – we all love some good memories, right?
Support System // Friends are often our go-to support system. They help provide a unique kind of emotional support that is different from what family or our romantic partners can offer. They are often our go-to people for sharing joys, frustrations, fears, and celebrations. So friend dates often offer us a chance to talk, share, and support each other through life’s ups and downs.
Stress Relief // Spending time with friends can be incredibly relaxing and stress-relieving. It allows you to step away from work or personal worries and just enjoy the moment. It has been proven that strong friendships are linked to increasing our overall happiness and life satisfaction. The sense of belonging, camaraderie, and shared experiences all contribute to a greater sense of fulfillment.
Fun and Enjoyment // Friend dates are simply fun! Investing in friendships by having friend dates often means being there for others, supporting them, and sharing in their joys. This reciprocal relationship brings joy and fulfillment to both parties. Whether you’re laughing over inside jokes, exploring a new hobby together, or just catching up, it’s an enjoyable way to spend time.
Boosting Mental Health // Friends can help provide a buffer against mental health issues like depression and anxiety. They offer a listening ear, provide feedback, and help us see things from different perspectives. Strong social connections have been linked to better mental health. Friend dates help provide the social interaction, a sense of belonging, and can even combat feelings of loneliness.
Balancing Life // Friends can sometimes help influence our habits, encouraging us to adopt healthier lifestyles. Whether it’s exercising together, cooking healthy meals, or engaging in hobbies, friends can motivate us to make positive changes especially when it comes to balancing life. Friend dates help remind us of the importance of work-life balance. They allow/encourage you to step away from work or home responsibilities and prioritize your social life.
Growth and Perspective // Regular friend dates can help offer different perspectives, challenging us to see things in new ways. Friends often help introduce us to new ideas, cultures, and experiences, which can lead to personal growth and development in the long run!
In essence, investing in friendships is not just about having fun and companionship; it is about building a support system, fostering personal growth, and enhancing our overall well-being. Good friends really do help to enrich our lives in countless ways, making the effort to nurture these relationships well worth it. So if you can make time for a friend date at least once monthly if you can! Trust me – it helps make a huge difference in your overall well being and balance!
What are a few of your favorite ways to share a friend date? Let me know in the comments below!
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