Have you ever had a friend that began to act differently once they entered a relationship? I, more than anyone, know how that feels.
Having best friends is one of the most valuable things anyone could have. They become core members of your life and people you depend on. Studies show that having friends leads to healthier mental and physical health. However, things take a turn for the worse when those friends start to place greater value on romantic relationships over friendships.
When friendships begin to sour it makes you feel less important and relevant in someone’s life, which is exactly what happens to me when my friends get in relationships. I’ve noticed that everyday habits of texting each other, hanging out and talking start to dwindle. The things you used to do as a duo are now what your friend does with their significant other.
When friends get into relationships, it is a responsibility to maintain the friendships you had prior to that dating situation. It’s important to put emphasis on balancing the person you’re dating with the people who have always been by your side. Things you should avoid doing to your friends would be keeping distance, avoiding communication and ditching plans you’ve made together. The time you spend together is what keeps the friendship alive.
If you’re on the receiving end of the bad friendship, don’t just sit back and let it happen. Speak your mind and tell the other person what’s going on and how you feel. It’s the responsibility of both parties to put effort into maintaining a healthy friendship. Set time aside to hang out and don’t let each other forget how valuable your friendship is. I personally have attempted to maintain friendships when situations like this come up, but it only works if both sides put in the effort.
When someone has healthy social connections, their survival rate increases by 50 percent. This could also mean that when someone begins to devalue your friendship, they’re lowering your survival rate by that same amount. It’d be selfish of both people to let that relationship die out.
