Both ancient philosophers and contemporary researchers emphasize that strong interpersonal connections are crucial for happiness. Among the various types of relationships, friendships play a significant role in our emotional well-being. My personal resolutions for nurturing friendships include: “Be forgiving,” “Be present,” “Expand my social circle,” “Foster connections,” “Celebrate birthdays,” “Avoid gossip,” and “Initiate greetings.”
Here, I share eight psychological concepts that have proven beneficial in my efforts to cultivate and reinforce friendships.
Triadic Closure
The concept of “triadic closure” suggests that individuals often form bonds with the friends of their friends, which creates a satisfying web of connections. Friendships flourish through these interconnections, generating a sense of community. I now actively encourage my friends to connect with one another and strive to befriend their acquaintances as well. (On a side note: “befriend friends’ friends” is a curious phrase! Poorly constructed, but I couldn’t resist using it.)
Emotional Contagion
The phenomenon known as “emotional contagion” refers to our ability to absorb the emotions of those around us. When someone is in a joyful and energetic state, it can uplift others’ spirits; however, negative emotions tend to spread more readily. If I’m feeling grumpy, I may inadvertently infect my friends with that same mood. I am making a concerted effort to embrace positivity.
The Mere Exposure Effect
Familiarity can foster affection. The “mere exposure effect” indicates that repeated encounters lead to increased liking for various stimuli, including people. According to this principle, the more frequently we see someone, the more we tend to view them as attractive and intelligent. Therefore, I intentionally place myself in environments where I regularly interact with the same individuals.
Fundamental Attribution Error
This psychological concept highlights our tendency to interpret others’ actions as reflections of their character while underestimating situational influences. For instance, I might label a person in a store as rude for cutting in line, without considering that they could be in a hurry to obtain medication for a sick loved one.
Warmth
Mutual affection is often reciprocated; we are more inclined to like those who express warmth towards us. By being friendly and genuinely happy to see someone, I increase the likelihood that they will respond positively in kind.
Smiling
Though it may seem trivial, research indicates that smiling significantly enhances how friendly we appear. Employing an expressive face, nodding, leaning in, and maintaining a warm tone can all contribute to a positive impression.
Subliminal Touching
Studies have shown that subtle, unnoticed touches can enhance feelings of well-being and positivity towards the person who initiated the contact. Simple gestures, like a light touch on the arm or back, can create a bond without being intrusive.
Situation Evocation
In situation evocation, our behavior can elicit responses from others that reinforce certain tendencies. For example, if I’m consistently irritable, those around me may respond with less patience, perpetuating my irritability. Conversely, if I approach interactions with humor, it encourages a light-hearted atmosphere among my peers.
Many people mistakenly believe that friendships should develop organically, without any deliberate effort. However, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to overlook nurturing these important relationships. Since I began implementing my resolutions focused on friendship, I have witnessed a significant deepening and broadening of my social connections. The effort is undoubtedly worthwhile.
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Summary:
Building and maintaining friendships can be enhanced through understanding psychological principles such as triadic closure, emotional contagion, and the mere exposure effect. By fostering warmth, utilizing nonverbal communication, and being aware of how our actions affect others, we can create deeper connections. Friendship requires intentional effort, but the rewards of enriched social ties are invaluable.