Have you ever heard or said, “I feel like I’m the only one giving in this relationship?” Relationships that are mismatched feel like work; they do not feel equal. As a result, they may worsen. If you believe in a one-sided friendship, you will most likely lose interest, and if your friends suspect you aren’t contributing equally, you may be ghosted.
Reciprocity is essential for a healthy friendship. Healthy friendships are built on a series of enjoyable interactions that cultivate rapport and trust. This is accomplished by sharing experiences, connecting on a variety of levels, and pouring into the friendship.
Building a solid friendship between two people takes time and effort. Friendships, unlike romantic or familial relationships, can be more fragile if neglected. If someone feels they are carrying the majority of the burden of the friendship, they may lose interest or, at the very least, have their feelings hurt. To keep the friendship balanced, both people must contribute equally. Here are three suggestions to make that happen.
1: Keep a score.
2: Ask questions.
3: Dream Big.
Take note of your friendship scorecard- Paying close attention to the give-and-take of your friendships does not require much effort. Asking yourself when was the last time you checked in, extended an invitation, or reached out to your friends can help you nourish and maintain the relationships. Sending a thoughtful text, or calling a friend for no reason can brighten their day and make them feel loved.
Check-in with friends to see how they are doing in terms of happiness- Friendships are just as meaningful as the primary relationships with your family, and they can become stale, dull, or neglected. Why not ask for an evaluation of a friendship if you value it? Checking in with friends to see how they are feeling about the friendship can have a significant impact. Be insightful with your questions and inform your friends that you are checking in to see how satisfied they are with your friends because you want it to be a 10 out of 10!
Get behind your friend’s goals and dreams- Cheerleading is a critical component of a healthy friendship, and it is vital to support and encourage a friend’s goals and dreams. Make an effort to be as encouraging as possible to your friends. Knowing that you care about and celebrate their success builds trust and motivates them to do the same for you. True friends are not envious of their friends’ success; instead, it inspires them.
Healthy friendships are a series of give-and-take, and they include a level of reciprocity that contributes to the relationship feeling balanced and satisfying. Make sure that you are giving as much as you are receiving, and that you are willing to communicate with your friends about everyone’s (including yours) satisfaction with the friendship.
