20 Factors for Friendship
Have you taken time to evaluate who you want to dedicate more time to?
Our time in life is limited and we must choose where we want to dedicate it. We know friendships are important, but are we making a conscious effort to decide who we invest our energy in? or is our time being hijacked?
Evaluating friendships is especially important when we go through a life change. Whether it’s moving to a new neighborhood, changing jobs, having kids, kids leaving to college, or pursuing a new hobby, all of these are examples of major opportunities to be introspective about the people in our lives.
Below you’ll find 20 factors I’ve compiled, as I go through my own journey of evaluating my friendships in a new neighborhood, as a single dad. As many of us start realizing how much time we spend on social media, dating apps, or other forms of entertainment, I hope this helps provide a framework to think about.
Convenience. Lives near me, available at similar times
Shared interests / activities
Working on a common project together, or working in similar spaces
Can offer me sound advice, whether it’s related to business or personal life
Makes me laugh, finds me funny, or in general is just a fun person to be around
Helps me get out of my shell
I can feel totally comfortable sharing anything, and vice versa
Makes an equal effort as I do to check-in
We find ourselves in similar life situations
Mutual friends in common. Having friends that can be part of our group can sometimes be more fulfilling
Similar backgrounds, shared experiences
Great listener
Offers fresh perspective
Makes me feel like I matter, offers compliments, lifts me up. I generally feel happier when I’m around the person
Shared views of the world, and of society
Cares about my happiness, is there for me
Pushes me to grow as a person
I just admire the person. They have a special talent or skill that I really appreciate
I feel like I have something to offer, and the other person appreciates that
The X factor? You can’t really put your finger on it, but you enjoy spending time with the person.
I’d like to hear which factors are important to you. Are there other factors that I’m missing in this list?
If you’re going through this process of deciding who you want to intentionally stay more in touch with, I invite you to download FriendApp, so that you can keep these people more top of mind on your phone.