Is it me or is it harder to maintain friendships?

Maintaining friendships in the modern era can indeed be more challenging for several reasons, and it's not just a personal issue. Here are some key points that highlight the complexities:

Social Media and Digital Interactions

Social media has altered the way we interact with friends. While it makes it easier to stay in touch, it often leads to superficial connections rather than deep, meaningful relationships. Interactions may feel more like observing each other's lives through posts and stories rather than engaging in genuine conversations14.

Changing Social Norms and Independence

The culture of independence and the normalization of behaviors like ghosting have made friendships feel more disposable. There is a pressure to constantly be entertaining or "worth keeping around," which can make it difficult to maintain authentic connections1.

Busy Lives and Life Transitions

As people get older, their social circles tend to shrink due to various life transitions such as moving to a new city, starting a demanding job, or other significant life changes. These factors can strain even the strongest of friendships34.

Maintenance and Quality of Interactions

Maintaining friendships requires regular interactions and a mutual affective bond. The quality of these interactions is more important than the quantity, especially for long-standing friendships. However, managing and resolving conflicts, which are inevitable in close friendships, is also crucial for maintaining strong relationships25.

Practical Tips for Improvement

To overcome these challenges, it is recommended to:

• Make time for regular hangouts or calls with close friends.
• Be intentional with communication, opting for heartfelt messages or phone calls over social media scrolling.
• Prioritize face-to-face interactions.
• Celebrate the little things and show appreciation for your friends.
• Be honest and open, building trust through vulnerability4.

In summary, the difficulties in maintaining friendships are not unique to you; they are part of broader societal and technological changes that affect many people. By being more intentional and proactive in nurturing your friendships, you can work to build and maintain stronger, more meaningful connections.