Friends is a form of network of social support, making up of people whom you can turn to, whether in times of crisis or simply for fun and entertainment.
Well, we all know the importance of friends and just simply talking with a friend over a cup of coffee, visiting them or even attending an outing with them proves to be good for your overall health.
Friends can help you weather troubled times, when you’re down and lonely. Moreover, they may also encourage you to change unhealthy habits, such as smoking and even advise you when things go wrong in an aspect of your life such as a job loss or even the death of a loved one.
My beloved JC class of CTG 210… Wonderful friends…
Why are friends or groups of friends important? Because they can increase our sense of belonging, purpose and self-worth. They help build up our confidence through the interactions that we have with them and when we actually realise that they accept us for who we are. Often, we do not appreciate our friends for these little things. It’s only when we encounter situations where we feel unwanted and useless, that we fall back on the support, care and love that our friends shower on us.
You don’t necessarily lean on family and friends for support. The mere idea of knowing that they’re there for you can help you avoid unhealthy reactions and to better cope with stressful situations.
If you want to expand your social circle, here are some things you can do:
Volunteer.
>> Be a volunteer at hospitals, places of worship, museums, community centers and other organizations, such as the SPCA. For myself, I helped out at a home for the mentally disabled. It was an enriching experience and at the same time, I met new people who were also interested in the common thing – helping others to make a difference in their lives!
Go out with your pet.
>> Well, I don’t have a pet. But I used to chat with people walking their dogs especially! It depends on whether you are free to take a stroll in the nearby park or just willing to spend a day jogging along East Coast Park! You can always make conversation with those are with their pets and who actually stop to talk to you. Strike a conversation by saying, “My, that’s a really dog you have!”
Join a local gym.
>> It’s always good to work out. So, join a pilates/ yoga/ hip-hop dance class through a local gym or sports club. There are also those organised by the community centres. Try going down to the gym for a quick workout during lunchtime! You’ll be able to meet new people and at the same time, keep in good shapre!
Go for group outings.
>> Join outings which involve many people, such as the New Paper Big Walk or organising an outing perhaps to Sungei Buloh for a day trip and asking your friends to bring their other friends to join in this social activity. Go for a nature walk or group cycling. It encourages interaction between the people!
Join a cause.
>> Get together with a group of people working towards a goal you believe in, such as the Vegetarian Society, that is provided you are a vegetarian! Other than that, there are also groups such as SPCA, working towards protecting animals from abuse and abandonment.
Take up new education courses.
>> You can even pick up a new language! Join a course which teaches you, i.e. Cooking, Tailoring or Website Construction and meet people with similar interests. You can form groups and motivate each other or learn from one another. It makes learning fun and expands your social circle!
Join a hobby group.
>> Love gardening, painting or reading? Well, join a group that has similar interests in such things. There are many interest groups around, such as Motocar racing, Model aeroplane building, cooking etc..
Well, having a variety of interests can increase the chances for you to meet new people! And it may also help make you more interesting to others.
Not everyone has the luxury or chance to be close to your neighbours as that portrayed in hit comedy series, Friends.
But still, it shouldn’t stop you from socialising with your neighbours!
Well, go ahead then! And start expanding your social circle because you never know when you might need the extra help and peer support in future! Moreover, think about the great company you’ll have the next time you participate in an activity! It will make life interesting for you!
Well, go ahead then! And start expanding your social circle because you never know when you might need the extra help and peer support in future! Moreover, think about the great company you’ll have the next time you participate in an activity! It will make life interesting for you!
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