Psychology Behind Deep Friendship: Finding Depth and Meaning in Relationships

Disclaimer: Tiwari, A., wrote this article on Sep. 29, 2023, for a now-discontinued newsletter, which we are resharing here.

This article explores the psychology of friendship and provides practical tips on how to find depth in relationships. It covers topics such as communication, trust, and understanding, and how to use these elements to create meaningful connections.

Friendship is a vital and rewarding relationship. Deep friendships provide support, love, and companionship.

How is a deep friendship defined?

What about using psychology to deepen friendships?

What's friendship depth?

Friendship is an authentic and pure connection that develops between two or more persons when they come together with a shared objective, disregarding their differences and exchanging thoughts that align with one other's mindset, despite varying attitudes and viewpoints.

In more simpler words: -

• Mutual trust, respect, and understanding define friendship depth.
• Two people can be "dear friends" without judgement or rejection.
• They may or may not always help each other in good times and bad but their friendship last longer than casual relationships.

Social scientists have defined friendships as happening when two or more people meet in close proximity, frequently for a longer duration, and at the same time, their communication intensity is also deep.

How Psychology Deepens Friendships

Use psychology to deepen your friendships with these tips:

• Embrace weakness. This doesn't mean you must reveal your deepest secrets. It requires honesty about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This builds friendship trust and intimacy.
• Learn to listen. Listen to friends when they talk. Clarify and assist. You show your friends that you care about their feelings and thoughts.
• Help and listen. Everyone faces challenges. Be there for friends in need. Assist and explain. Instead of solving their problems, listen and comfort them.
• Be you. Please your friends without pretending. Honor your values. This will attract friends who like you for you.

Let's look at some research findings about friendship

1. Deep friendships improve mental and physical health, according to research. Close friendships lower blood pressure, boost immunity and reduce depression and anxiety.
2. One study found that close friends increased heart attack survival. A second study found that close friends reduced Alzheimer's risk.

Some more tips

• Hang out with friends. Spending time together doing things you enjoy doesn't mean you have to spend most of your time together.
• Help your friends without expecting anything. You're showing your friends you care and put them first.
• Be forgiving of friends' mistakes. All make mistakes. Forgiving friends who hurt you is essential for deep friendships.

Conclusion

Our health depends on deep friendships. Following some relationship tips and using psychology to deepen friendships can help you build a better community and provide numerous other benefits.

Building friendship depth takes time and effort. Worth it. Friendships are crucial to our lives.