How to Bond with a Friend to Become Closer

When you’re younger it’s easier to quickly become a close friend with someone, whether you go to the same school or are simply partaking in the same kinds of activities. However, as you grow older, if you’re anything like me, your group friends gets smaller as you learn to strengthen the relationships with the people in your life instead of expanding your group with people you don’t really feel that close to. The process of building deeper friendships can happen either in the blink of an eye, when you feel like you and your friend are clicking instantly and are joined to the hip in no time, or really slowly, which is also okay, since opening up can be harder for some. Regardless of how long it takes, the next couple of tips have helped me in my journey with bonding with my friends:

Pay attention to the little things - they matter

While many people have a group of people that they value deeply, crossing the bridge from “good friends” to “close friends” and even “best friends” may seem like it would take a lot of time and effort. What I’ve found however is that in reality, simple acts of friendship, such as texting wishing them “good luck” when you know they have an exam, or picking up the phone even if it’s 3 in the morning because you know your friend needs you. These may seem trivial can go a long way and really help boost a friendship! 

Go on a trip together

There’s no better way to make memories that you and your friend will reminisce and laugh about for years to come than by taking a trip together! It doesn’t have to be a road trip across the country, even a day or two spent in another environment can help you learn new things about each other and will undoubtedly strengthen your friendship.

Learn to be vulnerable

Having conversations that can often feel uncomfortable or vulnerable is one of the most important aspects of friendships. I’ve noticed that when you don’t talk with your friends every single day, I was more prone to just tell them I’m doing good and that everything is perfect even when it’s not always the case. Having trusted people you feel comfortable confiding in and opening yourself up to is a beautiful thing, so it’s only natural that if you want your friendship to grow and evolve, you’re going to have to learn to open up to this vulnerability.

Make time to hang out outside of school/work 

If you have a job or are a student, you’re bound to spend a large portion of your time with more or less the same people. Therefore, befriending them in a working or academic environment may seem easy, but if you want to take those friendships to the next level, you’re going to want to have a change of scenery and maybe invite them out for coffee. Make time to hang out with your friends outside of that environment to really get to know each other and establish a meaningful connection.