68. How to Make Adult Friends: Why It's So Hard, 6 Common Roadblocks and Tips for Getting to Compatibility, Commitment and Chemistry

Although as a society we're more digitally connected than ever before, we are also less emotionally connected. Many adults feel chronically lonely and lacking in real connection, intimacy, support and bonding which are all things that are necessary for a healthy mind, body and spirit. We all need friends and people in our lives we can count on, share intimacy and trust with and be our true selves around. But why is it so hard to make new friends as an adult these days?!  I recently came across an article in Psychology Today Magazine by Ahona Guha who is a clinical and forensic psychologist practicing in Melbourne, Australia. The article was titled: The Art of Making Adult Friends and I wanted to share it with you. *Be sure you listen to the end where I mention the "3 C's" necessary for a successful relationship as well as the MOST ATTRACTIVE quality you can have!   The 6 Steps Roadblocks to Making New Friends: The Art of Developing Compatibility, Commitment and Chemistry in your Friendships as an Adult Timestamps: 01:10 Social connection and health 02:15 Perfection is overrated 03:32 Study by Dr. Ahona Guha 05:49 Factors that limit social connection 06:48 The importance of proximity 07:35 The exposure effect and friendship 08:26 Anyone can be a fairweather friend 09:24 The factor of similarity 11:12 Reciprocality in friendships 12:26 Practical tips for establishing new connections 13:56 Being open to new connections 15:25 Decontextualize the friendship 16:52 Be the friend you want! 19:02 Introversion and social connection 20:24 Fear of rejection 20:51 Pragmatic concerns 21:40 Mistrust in friendships 22:15 Friendless workaholic lifestyle 24:22 Pickiness vs having non-negotiables 26:23 Summary and closing Key Takeaways: Proximity Friendship Similarity