HOW TO DEAL WITH SLOWLY LOSING FRIENDS AS YOU GROW OLDER

The older you get, the fewer friends you have. Change can be scary, but it’s also inevitable. You may lose good friends, but you will also lose the toxic people who never made you feel uplifted or happy in their company. And you are freeing the room to have new friendships.

As you get older, common life changes, such as getting busy with work, marriage, children, and other unforeseen situations, take a toll on your social life and well-being. Friendships aren't prioritized. It leaves you lonely and stressed, leading to a higher risk of cognitive decline, depression, and other health issues.

Bottom line? Friends are essential, and nurturing friendships takes effort at any age. Building a social circle with supportive people who share your interests can often take time and effort. But once you manage to do this, doing activities together with friends will keep you motivated and moving. 

It is essential that you try to choose meaningful friendships consistently. It involves paying attention to the existing and the new ones you want to create. It’s critical to understand that what makes you happy differs from what makes someone happy. Do not push yourself too hard to develop new friendships for the sake of it just because you are lonely.  Rightly said by George Washington - "It is better to be alone than in bad company."

Forming friendships can be more difficult as an adult, but it is still essential. As you age, you tend to choose authentic friends who help you grow. You value character over charisma. And that's how it should be. Making new friends as adults can initially feel awkward. One of the best things you can do is accept that feeling and take time to get comfortable. 

By not over-socializing, you can build deeper friendships. The healthiest people manage to hold onto the companies that nourish them while forming new connections simultaneously. Losing and gaining friends is a normal part of life. If you feel that your friends don’t fit your personality and lifestyle anymore, reach out and form new relationships.

IT IS OK TO HAVE SOME BAD DAYS!

It's completely okay to have some bad days and feel upset. We all do! Life is filled with highs and lows. A bad day may just happen without any warning or explanation. Ultimately, your definition of a bad day is unique to you. 

Negative emotions are uncomfortable but have a purpose and should be accepted, sometimes even embraced. But unfortunately, we live in a world obsessed with positivity and happiness. Therefore, one cannot have a positive mindset and exude only positive emotions and thoughts, particularly when difficult. Consequently, it is alright to feel less-than-amazing at times.

Negative emotions are valid, human, and routine. However, when they are dismissed with a response of toxic positivity, it can feel incredibly hurtful and damaging.

There is a lesson in every struggle. No one's life is as picturesque as it looks. So don't fall into this trap. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you are having a bad day. Opening up to a friend/colleague will help you deal with your troubles. Just make sure you're turning to the right people. Find someone you know who will be sympathetic or someone who has been through something similar.

It is easy to lose sight of small things when we're upset. Think of something you are thankful for right now. It could be a cup of tea or coffee, a good lunch with your colleague, a beautiful ride to your office, or the sweet puppy you'll go home to. 

Bad days are temporary. When you find yourself in one, try to identify what caused you to have a bad day so that you can work to overcome it and get back to feeling good. Feel what you need to feel, and then allow yourself to move on to better days.