GFS Perth

As we said last week research shows that making new FRIENDS can be difficult for many reasons. Over the first weeks of 2025 we will look at those reasons then offer some thoughts on things to consider around making connections and growing FRIENDSHIPS. FRIENDSHIPS can be affected when competing obligations arise, such as work commitments, family responsibilities, or other personal engagements. Balancing these different priorities can sometimes strain the time and energy available for FRIENDSHIP. You don’t have to be climbing mountains or bonding intensely over a shared hobby to solidify a FRIENDSHIP. If you put in 10 minutes a day, you can maintain existing FRIENDSHIPS and build new ones. Send a text, forward a meme, add to the group chat or give someone a quick call. Don’t get caught up on how much effort, energy and time goes into building FRIENDSHIPS. Ten minutes on a regular basis may be all you need. GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for over 140 years and this year will see the opening of FRIENDSHIP CENTRAL, our new ‘home,’ dedicated to building on our past and expanding our vision to catalyse a FRIENDSHIP revolution - watch for more details on our socials or check www.gfsperth.com.au #friendshiprevolution

So, how’s the first couple of weeks been going for you? Well, I hope. We continue for a few weeks considering the science backed ways of keeping our FRIENDSHIPS vibrant over time. Being there as a support when FRIENDS are going through difficult times is an important part of FRIENDSHIP. However, research confirms that when people celebrate our good news it is even more important for our relationship satisfaction than their just supporting us through the bad times. So this year, when FRIENDS experience success, celebrate with them. Taking them out to lunch, sending a card, or even just calling to congratulate them can go a long way. GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for over 140 years and this year will see the opening of FRIENDSHIP CENTRAL, our new ‘home,’ dedicated to building on our past and expanding our vision to catalyse a FRIENDSHIP revolution - watch for more details on our socials or check www.gfsperth.com.au #friendshiprevolution

Research shows that making new FRIENDS can be difficult for many reasons. Over the coming months we will look at those reasons then offer some thoughts on things to consider around making connections and growing FRIENDSHIPS. One reason is lack of trust. In our modern world awash with fake news, scams, profile hacking, identity fraud, Instagram perfection, and more, we may find it harder to trust new people and fully invest in them as FRIENDS.  But trust is one of the primary drivers of FRIENDSHIP. Generally the deeper our level of trust, the more likely we’ll have a lasting FRIENDSHIPS. Building trust starts with sharing openly. Trust is reciprocal. We share, our friend shares, we open up and so on. Opening ourselves to others and watching for them to open up in return is how trust is built. Knowing ourselves is also a factor. When we understand ourselves, including our strengths and weaknesses, our triggers and our joy activators, we have more confidence in opening up to others. GFS Perth has been enabling FRIENDSHIP for over 140 years and this year will see the opening of FRIENDSHIP CENTRAL, our new ‘home,’ dedicated to building on our past and expanding our vision to catalyse a FRIENDSHIP revolution - watch for more details on our socials or check www.gfsperth.com.au #friendshiprevolution

In the early weeks of a new year we hear a good deal about resolutions that put eating healthier, exercising more, or tackling big goals we’ve been putting off centre stage. The good thing is resolutions don’t have to be limited to personal achievements; they can also focus on strengthening the relationships that enrich our lives. If one of your hopes for the year ahead is to make, maintain or deepen FRIENDSHIPS, our Monday Musings for January can help with that as we consider 4 science-based backed ideas. One study found that believing FRIENDSHIP happens based on luck was related to more loneliness 5 years later, whereas thinking that FRIENDSHIP takes effort was related to less loneliness. If you want to maintain or deepen your FRIENDSHIPS this year, try reaching out more regularly. As kids, organised atmospheres like school and extracurricular activities provided the perfect places for making FRIENDS because they allowed for continuous unplanned interaction and shared vulnerability. These are 2 things sociologists say help create the basis of FRIENDSHIP. As adults, however, we probably need to create these scenarios to maintain and deepen our FRIENDSHIPS. Commit to checking in with your FRIENDS more, whether it’s through a quick text, call, coffee date, sharing a meal each month or … well the sky is the limit, and if your stuck for ideas check back over our FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY posts. GFS Perth has been enabling friendship for over 140 years. Check our socials or www.gfsperth.com.au. #friendshiprevolution